Never Love a Stranger

Never Love A Stranger is a 1958 crime and gangster film that is based on Harold Robbins' 1948 debut novel with the same title. The film was shot in black and white starring John Drew Barrymore and Robert Bray, and featuring a young Steve McQueen.

Never Love a Stranger
Film poster
Directed byRobert Stevens
Produced byRichard Day
Peter Gettinger
Harold Robbins
Written byRichard Day
Harold Robbins
StarringJohn Drew Barrymore
Steve McQueen
Robert Bray
Music byRaymond Scott
CinematographyLee Garmes
Edited bySidney Katz
Distributed byAllied Artists Pictures
Release date
June 22, 1958
Running time
91 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Plot

Frankie Kane (Barrymore) is brought up in a Catholic orphanage. He befriends a Jewish law student named Martin Cabell (McQueen) and becomes romantically involved with Cabell's maid, Julie (Lita Milan). Kane learns later that he is also Jewish, and when told he will be removed from the orphanage and moved to a Jewish home he runs away and turns to a life of crime. Later, after joining a major crime syndicate, he reconnects with Julie, finally deciding to join Martin, now a district attorney, in shutting down the syndicate.

Main cast

Original novel

Robbins' novel was published in 1948.[1][2] It became a best seller.[3]

The book was one of a number banned in Philadelphia as indecent.[4] The ban was overturned the following year.[5]

Production

In August 1957 it was announced that Barrymore would star and Robbins would write and produce. The Los Angeles Times called the part "the usual Barrymore role".[6] At the time, Barrymore was under a year's suspension from Actors Equity, but this seemed to apply only to stage work.[7]

The film was made through Caryn Productions, Robbins' own production company.[8] Richard Day became co-producer and Allied Artists agreed to release. Filming started in the Bronx on 9 September.[9]

Robert Stevens agreed to direct and Steve McQueen was given an early role.[10][11]

References
  1. Robbins Paints Realistic Picture of N.Y.: NEVER LOVE A STRANGER. By Harold Robbins. Knopf. 443 pp. $3.50. The Washington Post 29 Feb 1948: B7.
  2. Books of the Times By ORVILLE PRESCOTT. New York Times 1 Mar 1948: 21.
  3. The Best Sellers. New York Times 16 May 1948: BR8.
  4. Halts Philadelphia Book 'Raids' New York Times 25 May 1948: 25.
  5. 9 NOVELS CLEARED, HELD NOT OBSCENE: Philadelphia Court Says They Picture Life and Home Must Prepare Way for Living By WILLIAM G. WEART. Special to THE NEW YORK TIMES. New York Times 19 Mar 1949: 13.
  6. 'Dead Sea Scrolls' Spur Notable Film; Jeffrey Hunter Newsman Star. Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 8 Aug 1957: A9.
  7. BIG PLANS DRAWN FOR 'SKYSCRAPER': Feuer, Martin, Hammerstein and Rodgers May Team-- Barrymore Son Sought Actor Ponders Role Director Bows Out. By SAM ZOLOTOW. New York Times 17 Sep 1957: 38.
  8. VIEW FROM A LOCAL VANTAGE POINT. By A. H. WEILER. New York Times 8 June 1958: X5.
  9. DEAD SEA SCROLLS A BASIS FOR MOVIE: Sutherland to Produce Film From Book by Burrows-- Don McGuire Signs Pact McGuire Signs Contract Of Local Origin. By THOMAS M. PRYOR. Special to The New York Times. New York Times 8 Aug 1957: 15.
  10. FILM DISTRIBUTION REVIVING A STUDIO: Shift From Production at Republic Renews Activity --Brando to Be Director Dual Capacity for Brando Of Local Origin. By THOMAS M. PRYOR. Special to The New York Times. New York Times 10 Sep 1957: 39.
  11. Of Local Origin. New York Times 3 Oct 1957: 33.
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