Cast
View All
Evelyn Venable
as Peggy Mallory, aka Ann Williams
Craig Reynolds
as Jim Mallory
Reed Hadley
as Bruce Dunning
John Merton
as Henchman Mort
John Kelly
as Red, Dunning's chauffeur
Ray Bennett
as Henchman Burke
Emmett Vogan
as Investigator Tom Leonard
Lee Phelps
as Investigator Steve Roberts
Sam Flint
as Edward J. Howard
Martha Tibbetts
as Claire Bannister
Charlotte Treadway
as Mrs. Bannister
Reginald Sheffield
as Dr. Richardson
Fern Emmett
as Cook who quits
Claire Rochelle
as
Crew
Director
- William Nigh
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Female Fugitive examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director William Nigh 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 character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1938, 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 Female Fugitive took approximately 3 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 58 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 94 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1938, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Female Fugitive 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 Postman Always Rings Twice, which focuses more on action than character development, Female Fugitive subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Thomas Crown Affair and The Killers explore similar territory, Female Fugitive stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: April 15, 1938
- Runtime: 58m
