The Well (1951)
A tense, socially charged drama in which a child's disappearance ignites racial hysteria and mob violence in a divided American town.
The Well - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Well
- Release Year: 1951
- Directed by: Russell Rouse, Leo C. Popkin
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 26m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 24, 1951 (United States)
- Production Companies: Harry Popkin Productions, Cardinal Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Well - Plot
In a racially mixed American town, a five-year-old black girl falls unnoticed into a hidden, forgotten well on her way to school. Having nothing better to go on, the police follow up a report that the child was seen with a white stranger, and rumors run wild. Before hapless, innocent Claude Packard is even found, popular hysteria has him tried and convicted. But is he guilty?
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The Well - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Russell Rouse
- Leo C. Popkin
Main Cast
- Gwendolyn Laster
- Richard Rober
- Maidie Norman
- George "Spike" Hamilton
- Ernest Anderson
- Dick Simmons
- Lane Chandler
- Pat Mitchell
- Margaret Wells
- Wheaton Chambers
Writers
- Clarence Greene
- Russell Rouse
Producers
- Leo C. Popkin
- Clarence Greene
The Well - FAQs
What is The Well (1951) about?
The Well follows the disappearance of a five-year-old Black girl in a racially mixed American town. When she falls unnoticed into an abandoned well, rumors ignite that a white man abducted her. The film examines how fear and prejudice can transform an innocent community into a dangerous, irrational mob.
Is The Well (1951) based on a true story?
The Well is not directly based on a single verified true event, but its screenplay by Clarence Greene and Russell Rouse draws on the very real social climate of racial tension in postwar America. The scenario of mob hysteria fueled by racial suspicion reflected genuine anxieties of the era.
Where can you watch The Well (1951)?
The Well (1951) is available to stream or rent through various platforms depending on your region. You can check current streaming availability, rental, and purchase options for The Well on JustWatch, which tracks real-time listings across all major services in your area.
Who directed The Well (1951)?
The Well was co-directed by Russell Rouse and Leo C. Popkin. Rouse also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Clarence Greene. The film was produced under Harry Popkin Productions and Cardinal Pictures and released in the United States on September 24, 1951.
Who are the main actors in The Well?
The Well stars Gwendolyn Laster as the missing child Carolyn Crawford, Richard Rober as investigator Ben Kellogg, and Maidie Norman as Martha Crawford. The supporting cast includes Ernest Anderson, George "Spike" Hamilton, Dick Simmons, Lane Chandler, and Wheaton Chambers.
Did The Well (1951) receive any award nominations?
Yes. The Well earned notable recognition at the Academy Awards, receiving Oscar nominations for Best Film Editing and Best Writing (Story and Screenplay). Composer Dimitri Tiomkin's score and Ernest Laszlo's taut cinematography also drew critical praise, cementing the film's reputation as a bold social drama.
How long is The Well (1951)?
The Well has a runtime of 86 minutes, making it a lean, tightly paced thriller. Despite its relatively short length, the film builds considerable dramatic tension as racial rumors escalate and a community edges toward violence over the fate of a missing child.
What themes does The Well (1951) explore?
The Well boldly examines racial prejudice, mob mentality, and the fragility of justice in mid-century America. It shows how quickly fear and rumor can override reason, turning neighbors against one another. The film was considered daring for its unflinching portrayal of systemic racism and collective hysteria in 1951.
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