The Tall Target (1951)
A tense historical thriller in which a lone detective races aboard a night train to stop a conspiracy against President-elect Abraham Lincoln.
The Tall Target - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1951
- Directed by: Anthony Mann
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Thriller, History, Mystery
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 18m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 17, 1951 (United States - NR)
- Production Companies: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Tall Target - Plot
A detective tries to prevent the assassination of President-elect Abraham Lincoln during a train ride headed for Washington in 1861.
The Tall Target - Trailer
Preview the film with this archival featurette from the 1951 MGM release.
Watch The Tall Target video on YouTube ↗
You'll never see the target till the very end!
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The Tall Target - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Anthony Mann
Main Cast
- Dick Powell
- Paula Raymond
- Adolphe Menjou
- Marshall Thompson
- Ruby Dee
- Richard Rober
- Leif Erickson
- Will Geer
- Florence Bates
- Erville Alderson
Writers
- Art Cohn
- George Worthing Yates
- Daniel Mainwaring
Producers
- Richard Goldstone
The Tall Target - FAQs
Is The Tall Target based on a true story?
Yes, The Tall Target is inspired by the real Baltimore Plot of 1861, a documented conspiracy to assassinate President-elect Abraham Lincoln before his inauguration. The film fictionalizes the investigation through the character of detective John Kennedy, though the historical threat to Lincoln's life was genuine.
Who are the main actors in The Tall Target?
The Tall Target stars Dick Powell as detective John Kennedy, Paula Raymond as Ginny Beaufort, and Adolphe Menjou as Caleb Jeffers. The supporting cast includes Marshall Thompson, Ruby Dee, Richard Rober, Leif Erickson, Will Geer, and Florence Bates.
What is The Tall Target about?
The Tall Target follows a New York detective who uncovers a plot to assassinate President-elect Abraham Lincoln and boards a night train to Washington in 1861 to stop it. Taut and atmospheric, the film unfolds as a race-against-time thriller set almost entirely aboard a moving train.
Who directed The Tall Target?
The Tall Target was directed by Anthony Mann, the acclaimed Hollywood filmmaker known for his mastery of noir and tension-driven storytelling. Mann brings a claustrophobic, shadowy intensity to the film, making exceptional use of the confined train setting to build suspense throughout.
When was The Tall Target released?
The Tall Target was released on August 17, 1951, in the United States. It was produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and stands as one of Anthony Mann's lesser-known but critically appreciated works from his prolific early 1950s period.
How long is The Tall Target?
The Tall Target has a runtime of 78 minutes, or 1 hour and 18 minutes. Its compact length works in the film's favor, maintaining relentless pacing and tension from start to finish without any narrative padding.
Where can I stream The Tall Target online?
Streaming availability for The Tall Target varies by region and platform. As a 1951 MGM production, it may be available on classic film services or digital rental platforms. Check JustWatch for the most current and comprehensive list of streaming options available in your area.
What genre is The Tall Target?
The Tall Target is a Thriller, History, and Mystery film. It blends the tension of a noir-style detective thriller with a historical setting rooted in the eve of the American Civil War, making it a distinctive entry in classic Hollywood genre filmmaking.
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