{"id":74363,"date":"2021-07-25T22:11:20","date_gmt":"2021-07-26T05:11:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/?p=74363"},"modified":"2021-12-24T14:43:31","modified_gmt":"2021-12-24T21:43:31","slug":"tall-target-the-1951","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/?p=74363","title":{"rendered":"Tall Target, The (1951)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>&#8220;Anything could happen in Baltimore &#8212; it&#8217;s a <em>nest<\/em> of secessionists!&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n<table>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Poster.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Poster-198x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"198\" height=\"300\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-74364\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Poster-198x300.png 198w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Poster-675x1024.png 675w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Poster-84x128.png 84w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Poster-178x270.png 178w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Poster.png 727w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 198px) 100vw, 198px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Synopsis:<\/strong><br \/>\nOn the precipice of the Civil War, a detective (Dick Powell) concerned about a rumored plot to assassinate President-Elect Abraham Lincoln encounters a variety of individuals traveling by train &#8212; including a Northern colonel (Adolphe Menjou); a mysterious man who has taken over his ticket and identity (Leif Erickson); a chatty abolitionist author (Florence Bates); a mother (Barbara Billingsley) and her young son (Brad Morrow); and a Confederate officer (Marshall Thompson) travelling with his sister Ginny (Paula Raymond) and Ginny&#8217;s personal slave, Rachel (Ruby Dee).\n<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>\n<strong>Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Adolphe Menjou Films<\/li>\n<li>Anthony Mann Films<\/li>\n<li>Assassination<\/li>\n<li>Detectives and Private Eyes<\/li>\n<li>Dick Powell Films<\/li>\n<li>Historical Drama<\/li>\n<li>Ruby Dee Films<\/li>\n<li>Trains and Subways<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Review: <\/strong><br \/>\nNear the beginning of his career as an &#8220;A film&#8221; director, Anthony Mann helmed this <em>noir<\/em>-ish historical thriller bearing an uncanny narrative resemblance in many ways to <a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/?p=4575\"><em>The Narrow Margin<\/em> (1952)<\/a> (scroll to the bottom of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dvdtalk.com\/dvdsavant\/s3020tall.html\">DVD Savant&#8217;s review<\/a> for more details). The title character himself &#8212; Abraham Lincoln (Leslie Kimmell) &#8212; doesn&#8217;t appear until the very last shot: <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Lincoln.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Lincoln.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-74373\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Lincoln.png 640w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Lincoln-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Lincoln-128x96.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Lincoln-360x270.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&#8230; and it&#8217;s no spoiler to say, of course, that he survived this initial attempt at taking his life &#8212; but the storyline remains surprisingly gripping until then, despite knowing this outcome. Mann (working with DP Paul Vogel) creates an impressively claustrophobic atmosphere on board the train, with shadowy figures literally lurking around every corner, and violence a possibility at all times. <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Doorway.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Doorway.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-74374\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Doorway.png 640w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Doorway-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Doorway-128x96.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Doorway-360x270.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>We don&#8217;t quite understand at first who each of the characters is or what they stand for, but this suits the narrative perfectly: only gradually do we understand the complex web of deceit being carried out (thank goodness for Powell&#8217;s tenacity!). <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Powell.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Powell.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-74384\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Powell.png 640w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Powell-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Powell-128x96.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Powell-360x270.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>A subplot involving a slave (Dee) is handled especially well, allowing her to give a surprisingly nuanced performance for such a minor role. <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Dee4.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Dee4.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-74375\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Dee4.png 640w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Dee4-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Dee4-128x96.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Dee4-360x270.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a>  <\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, smarmy Menjou is perfectly cast as a supportive colonel with more up his sleeve than he first reveals: <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Menjou.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Menjou.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-74376\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Menjou.png 640w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Menjou-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Menjou-128x96.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Menjou-360x270.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&#8230; and Bates is memorable as a blunt-speaking abolitionist who thinks nothing of asking Dee outright, with gleeful anticipation, &#8220;Tell me, my dear: how does it feel being beaten? They <em>did<\/em> beat you, of course?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Bates.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Bates.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-74380\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Bates.png 640w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Bates-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Bates-128x96.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Bates-360x270.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Perhaps most eerie of all is how powerfully the storyline here echoes our current polarized political landscape: <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Newspaper.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Newspaper.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-74377\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Newspaper.png 640w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Newspaper-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Newspaper-128x96.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Newspaper-360x270.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s easy enough to believe in a story of complex sedition like this given&#8230; Well, given recent events. Enough said. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Redeeming Qualities and Moments: <\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Paul Vogel&#8217;s cinematography<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Cinematography.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Cinematography.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-74369\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Cinematography.png 640w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Cinematography-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Cinematography-128x96.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Cinematography-360x270.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Cinematography2.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Cinematography2.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-74382\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Cinematography2.png 640w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Cinematography2-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Cinematography2-128x96.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Cinematography2-360x270.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<li>Ruby Dee as Rachel<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Dee.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Dee.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-74367\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Dee.png 640w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Dee-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Dee-128x96.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Dee-360x270.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<li>Adolphe Menjou as Colonel Jeffers<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Menjou2.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Menjou2.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-74378\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Menjou2.png 640w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Menjou2-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Menjou2-128x96.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Menjou2-360x270.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<li>Numerous tension filled moments<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Tension.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Tension.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-74370\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Tension.png 640w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Tension-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Tension-128x96.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Tension-360x270.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Window.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Window.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-74366\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Window.png 640w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Window-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Window-128x96.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Window-360x270.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<li>Fine historical sets<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Historical.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Historical.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-74368\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Historical.png 640w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Historical-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Historical-128x96.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Tall-Target-Historical-360x270.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Must See? <\/strong><br \/>\nYes, as a powerful drama by a master director. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Categories<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Good Show<\/li>\n<li>Important Director<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Links: <\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt0044105\/\">IMDb entry<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dvdtalk.com\/dvdsavant\/s3020tall.html\">DVD Savant Review<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tcm.com\/tcmdb\/title\/2286\/the-tall-target#articles-reviews?articleId=135958\">TCM Article<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.chicagoreader.com\/chicago\/the-tall-target\/Film?oid=1072875\">Chicago Reader Capsule Review<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeout.com\/movies\/the-tall-target\">Time Out Capsule Review<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8220;Anything could happen in Baltimore &#8212; it&#8217;s a nest of secessionists!&#8221; Synopsis: On the precipice of the Civil War, a detective (Dick Powell) concerned about a rumored plot to assassinate President-Elect Abraham Lincoln encounters a variety of individuals traveling by train &#8212; including a Northern colonel (Adolphe Menjou); a mysterious man who has taken over his ticket and identity (Leif Erickson); a chatty abolitionist author (Florence Bates); a mother (Barbara Billingsley) and her young son (Brad Morrow); and a Confederate&#8230;<\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more\"><a class=\"btn btn-default\" href=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/?p=74363\"> Read More<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">  Read More<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-74363","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-reviews"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/74363","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=74363"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/74363\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":79139,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/74363\/revisions\/79139"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=74363"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=74363"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=74363"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}