The Shrike is a 1955 American film noir drama film based on Joseph Kramm's play of the same name. José Ferrer directed and starred in Ketti Frings' screenplay adaptation.

Plot

Successful stage director Jim Downs (Ferrer) is driven to a mental breakdown by his domineering wife Ann (June Allyson). Institutionalized, he confides in Dr. Bellman (Kendall Clark) and Dr. Barrow (Isabel Bonner), and he finds a kindred spirit in Charlotte Moore (Joy Page).

Cast

Production

In 1952 Ferrer announced Hal Wallis and Bill Pearlberg were both interested in filming the play. Ferrer spent two years developing the script with Ketti Frings. For a time it seemed he might make it at RKO. In March 1953 Ferrer announced he had purchased the film rights himself. He had discussions with Columbia. Then in February 1954 Ferrer signed a deal with Universal to finance. "I'm terribly grateful to have been given the opportunity to star and direct", said Ferrer. In April 1954 it was announced June Allyson would star alongside Ferrer. Allyson had never played this type of role before. "I was fed to the teeth being sweet", she said. Filming started in September 1954. Much of the film was shot on location at Bellevue Hospital and around Times Square in New York City. Ferrer had the film scheduled so the cast would rehearse, then shoot, then filming would stop while the cast would rehearse again, then shoot again. Frings was on set the whole time to assist Ferrer's direction. The music score was by Frank Skinner. Ferrer composed "Conversation (The Shrike)", recorded by Pete Rugolo on his 1955 album New Sounds (Harmony HL7003). The opening title sequence was created by Saul Bass.

Reception

Reviewing for The New York Times, A. H. Weiler wrote: Allyson later said her husband Dick Powell and all her advisers opposed her making the movie: "But it was a challenge I could not resist. For years I had been the Perfect... And now..., I would be far from the perfect wife. I would indeed be a monster of a wife, one of the least attractive in the history of the theater. As it turned out, the picture was a wonderful flop, but I do not regret deciding to play the vixen, Ann Downs. Other than my personal satisfaction in making my own decision, The Shrike was fun, and I even dreamed vaguely of an Academy Award."

Sources