Cast
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William Holden
as Lt. William Calhoun
Nancy Olson
as Joyce Willecombe
Barry Fitzgerald
as Inspector Donnelly
Lyle Bettger
as Joe Beacom
Jan Sterling
as Marge Wrighter
Allene Roberts
as Lorna Murchison
Herbert Heyes
as Henry Murchison
James Seay
as Detective Shattuck
Parley Baer
as Detective Gottschalk
Ralph Sanford
as Detective Fay
Richard Karlan
as Detective Stein
Fred Graff
as Vince Marley
Don Dunning
as Gus Hadder
Bigelow Sayre
as Detective Ross
Charles Dayton
as Howard Kettner
Crew
Director
- Rudolph Maté
Producer
- Jules Schermer
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Union Station represents a fascinating example of Thriller/Crime cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Rudolph Maté brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1950, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Union Station took approximately 22 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 81 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 128 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The film contains approximately 1922 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1950, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Union Station shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Cut Off, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Union Station subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Alpha Dog and Vantage Point explore similar territory, Union Station stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 4, 1950
- Runtime: 1h 21m
Where to Watch
