Mysterious Intruder (1946)
A lean, atmospheric film noir from director William Castle in which a private eye's search for a missing heiress plunges him into murder and suspicion.
Mysterious Intruder - Movie Information
- Original Title: Mysterious Intruder
- Release Year: 1946
- Directed by: William Castle
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Mystery, Crime
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 1m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 11, 1946 (United States - NR)
- Production Companies: Larry Darmour Productions, Columbia Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Mysterious Intruder - Plot
A private detective is hired to find a young heiress but finds himself accused of murder.
Mysterious Intruder - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- William Castle
Main Cast
- Richard Dix
- Barton MacLane
- Nina Vale
- Regis Toomey
- Helen Mowery
- Mike Mazurki
- Pamela Blake
- Charles Lane
- Paul E. Burns
- Kathleen Howard
Writers
- Eric Taylor
Producers
- Rudolph C. Flothow
Mysterious Intruder - FAQs
What is Mysterious Intruder about?
Mysterious Intruder is a 1946 film noir in which private detective Don Gale is hired to locate a missing young heiress. His investigation quickly spirals out of control when he becomes the prime suspect in a murder case, drawing him deeper into a web of deception and danger.
Who directed Mysterious Intruder?
Mysterious Intruder was directed by William Castle, who would later become famous for his showmanship and gimmick-driven horror films in the 1950s and 1960s. In 1946, Castle was honing his craft on tight-budget B-pictures for Columbia Pictures, and this noir thriller is a notable entry from that period.
Who are the main actors in Mysterious Intruder?
The film stars Richard Dix as private detective Don Gale, with Barton MacLane as Detective Taggart, Nina Vale as Gale's secretary Joan Hill, Regis Toomey as James Summers, Helen Mowery as Freda Hanson, and Mike Mazurki as the menacing Harry Pontos, among others.
Is Mysterious Intruder based on a true story?
No, Mysterious Intruder is not based on a true story. It is an original screenplay written by Eric Taylor, adapted from the radio drama series The Whistler, which aired on CBS radio. The film is one of several Columbia Pictures productions inspired by that popular radio program.
Is Mysterious Intruder part of a series?
Yes. Mysterious Intruder is the fifth entry in Columbia Pictures' The Whistler film series, based on the long-running CBS radio drama. The series ran from 1944 to 1948 and comprised eight films, most starring Richard Dix. Each installment featured a standalone crime story tied together by the enigmatic narrator known as The Whistler.
When was Mysterious Intruder released?
Mysterious Intruder was released on April 11, 1946, in the United States. It was produced by Larry Darmour Productions and distributed by Columbia Pictures as part of the studio's popular Whistler B-movie series during the mid-1940s.
How long is Mysterious Intruder?
Mysterious Intruder has a runtime of 61 minutes, making it a compact, fast-paced B-movie typical of the era. Its brisk running time keeps the noir atmosphere taut and the plot moving efficiently from the opening mystery through to its suspenseful conclusion.
What are some films similar to Mysterious Intruder?
Fans of Mysterious Intruder may enjoy other classic noir and crime films such as Murder, My Sweet (1944), Laura (1944), Lady in the Lake (1946), The Brasher Doubloon (1947), Angel Face (1953), and Touch of Evil (1958), all of which share the genre's signature atmosphere of shadowy intrigue and moral ambiguity.
More About Mysterious Intruder
Explore further details about this 1946 noir classic through these authoritative sources.