Salty O’Rourke *** (1945, Alan Ladd, Gail Russell, William Demarest) – Classic Movie Review 10,099

Director Raoul Walsh’s 1945 film Salty O’Rourke stars Alan Ladd as wide boy gambler Salty O’Rourke along with William Demarest as his buddy Smitty.

The duo are in cahoots with an unscrupulous disbarred jockey (Stanley Clements) with a faked identity to make a big score on a fixed race to pay off their debt to nasty Doc Baxter (Bruce Cabot). Salty and the jockey both fall in love with teacher Barbara Brooks (Gail Russell).

The stars shine brightly in this popular, sharp and well-written comedy drama, neatly made by director Walsh. Milton Holmes was Oscar nominated for Best Original Screenplay.

Also in the cast are Spring Byington, Rex Williams, Darryl Hickman, Marjorie Woodworth, Don Zelaya, Lester Matthews, William Forrest, William Murphy, Denis Brown, David Clyde and Jean Willes.

Russell went on to make Calcutta (1946) with Ladd.

Salty O’Rourke is directed by Raoul Walsh, runs 100 minutes, is made by Paramount, is released by Paramount, is written by Milton Holmes, is shot in black and white by Theodor Sparkuhl, is produced by E D Leshin, is scored by Robert Emmett Dolan, with production designs by Hans Dreier.

Gail Russell died alone in her apartment of chronic alcoholism in 1961 at the age of 36. Ladd was one of the attendees at his co-star and friend’s funeral.

© Derek Winnert 2020 Classic Movie Review 10,099

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