Chicago Calling
“$53 means life or death to him!”
Synopsis
Bill Cannon (Dan Duryea) loses everything to alcohol: his job, his family, his self-respect. Soon after his wife and daughter leave him, he receives word his little girl has been injured in a car accident outside Chicago. His wife will call later with news, but Bill’s short the $53 he needs to keep his phone from being disconnected. Filled with anguish, he heads out onto the Los Angeles streets to find some way to come up with the cash. As his character encounters expected cruelty and unexpected kindness, Duryea takes what might have been mere melodrama and turns it into a perceptive examination of one shattered soul. The other fine star of this race-against-the-clock programmer is an unglamorous, lunch-bucket L.A. rarely captured on film.
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Release History & Theatrical Window
December 31, 1951
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- John Reinhardt
- Screenplay & Story
- John Reinhardt, Peter Berneis
- Original Score
- Heinz Roemheld
- Original Title
- Chicago Calling
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 15m
- Production Studios
- Arrowhead Pictures
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
John Reinhardt
John Reinhardt, Peter Berneis
Heinz Roemheld
Robert De Grasse
Arthur H. Nadel
Peter Berneis
Department Leadership Roster
John Reinhardt
Writer
John Reinhardt
Director
Peter Berneis
Producer
Peter Berneis
Writer
Robert De Grasse
Director of Photography
Arthur H. Nadel
Editor
Heinz Roemheld
Original Music Composer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Chicago Calling.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Chicago Calling
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Chicago Calling about?
Bill Cannon (Dan Duryea) loses everything to alcohol: his job, his family, his self-respect. Soon after his wife and daughter leave him, he receives word his little girl has been injured in a car accident outside Chicago. His wife will call later with news, but Bill’s short the $53 he needs to keep his phone from being disconnected. Filled with anguish, he heads out onto the Los Angeles streets to find some way to come up with the cash. As his character encounters expected cruelty and unexpected kindness, Duryea takes what might have been mere melodrama and turns it into a perceptive examination of one shattered soul. The other fine star of this race-against-the-clock programmer is an unglamorous, lunch-bucket L.A. rarely captured on film.
Who directed Chicago Calling?
Chicago Calling was directed by John Reinhardt.
Who stars in Chicago Calling?
The principal cast of Chicago Calling includes Dan Duryea, Mary Anderson, Gordon Gebert, Ross Elliott, Melinda Casey.
When was Chicago Calling released and how long is it?
Chicago Calling was released in 1951 with a total runtime of 1h 15m.
Who composed the musical score for Chicago Calling?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Chicago Calling was composed by Heinz Roemheld.