Cast
View All
Boris Karloff
as Gruesome
Ralph Byrd
as Dick Tracy
Anne Gwynne
as Tess Trueheart
Edward Ashley
as Dr. L.E. Thal
June Clayworth
as Dr. I.M. "Irma" Learned
Lyle Latell
as Pat Patton
Tony Barrett
as Melody
Skelton Knaggs
as X-Ray
James Nolan
as Dan Sterne
Joseph Crehan
as Chief Brandon
Milton Parsons
as Dr. A. Tomic
Ernie Adams
as Waiter at Hangman's Knot (uncredited)
Phil Arnold
as Sneezing Bank Customer (uncredited)
Walter Bacon
as Bar Patron (uncredited)
Lex Barker
as City Hospital Driver (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- John Rawlins
Producer
- Herman Schlom
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Now this made me laugh - it is certainly one of the more preposterous of these adventure yarns. Dick Tracy (Ralph Byrd) and Tess Trueheart (Anne Gwynne) are called in to investigate a series of intriguing bank robberies where the customers/staff are poleaxed by a nerve gas that enables the robbers to calmly rob the place without anyone even knowing. Of course, at the bottom of the dastardly scene is "Gruesome" - one of the livelier outings for Boris Karloff that I've seen. The script is terrible, and the still-life effects are pretty cheap and cheerful photographic freezes, but you can tell that they - including the wonderful research scientist "I.M. Learned" and Skelton Knaggs ("X-ray") - are having a good time on set. They are there to entertain us, and that they do.
Jul 7, 2022
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Crime/Mystery/Thriller film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Dick Tracy Meets Gruesome distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director John Rawlins 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 1947, 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 Dick Tracy Meets Gruesome took approximately 10 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 65 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 115 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
- The film contains approximately 1586 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1947, when this film was released:
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Dick Tracy Meets Gruesome shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Mask, which focuses more on action than character development, Dick Tracy Meets Gruesome offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Dark Knight and Ocean's Twelve explore similar territory, Dick Tracy Meets Gruesome stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 26, 1947
- Runtime: 1h 5m
Where to Watch
