The Fallen Sparrow

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The Fallen Sparrow

1943

1h 34m

Mystery & Thriller

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3 Reviews

50%

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50+ Ratings

Imprisoned during the Spanish Civil War, John "Kit" McKittrick (John Garfield) is released when a New York City policeman pulls some strings. Upon returning to America, McKittrick hears that a friend has committed suicide, and he begins to smell a rat. During his investigation, McKittrick questions three beautiful women, one of whom has a tie to his refugee past. Pursued by Nazi operatives, McKittrick learns of the death of another friend, and begins to suspect the dark Dr. Skaas.

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Tautly directed, this WWII noir-thriller stars John Garfield in a dramatically intense performance and Maureen O'Hara, cast against type.

Rated: B

Feb 13, 2013

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Rated: B

Feb 12, 2013

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

If the plot wasn't so vague, this could have been a lot better psychological thriller.

Rated: B-

Nov 23, 2004

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David F

While considered a classic Film Noir, this movie has a very complicated plot which I had trouble following. I suppose it has atmosphere and paranoia, but I just thought it needed a little bit more of a comprehensible story to follow.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

06/07/23

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Audience Member

A frustrating plot with predictable points overcomes fine lead and supporting performances. Cinematography and score deserve mention.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/13/23

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Audience Member

Tense, well acted, recommended.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/26/23

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deke p

1943 NOIR. Interesting drama/thrller throught. JOHN GARFIELD great, tuff guy. Some good lookin 'dames' incl MAUREEN O'HARA. JG plays anti-Fascist vet of SpNISH Civil War. WALTER SLEZAK as Spanish bad guy. Never heard of until saw on the Movie Channel 8.2020 Watched again, " " " " " 4.1.2021. Even better. So i increases my rating one Full Star! QUESTION: was that THE SPRUCE GOOSE in the final scene?❓❓❓❓

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

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Audience Member

I love Garfield, but I found this Noir to be overly talky and very hard to follow. I hate having to hang on every word that too many characters spill out. It is hard to maintain attention, and if your attention wanes for 30 seconds, you miss something, and get further lost.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

03/27/20

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Audience Member

B-film noir with a military espionage twist. The only mystery is which woman is he really attracted to?

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/25/23

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Richard Wallace

Director

John Garfield

John `'Kit'` McKittrick

Maureen O'Hara

Toni Donne

Walter Slezak

Dr. Christian Skaas

Patricia Morison

Barby Taviton

Martha O'Driscoll

Whitney `'The Imp'` Parker

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Synopsis

Imprisoned during the Spanish Civil War, John "Kit" McKittrick (John Garfield) is released when a New York City policeman pulls some strings. Upon returning to America, McKittrick hears that a friend has committed suicide, and he begins to smell a rat. During his investigation, McKittrick questions three beautiful women, one of whom has a tie to his refugee past. Pursued by Nazi operatives, McKittrick learns of the death of another friend, and begins to suspect the dark Dr. Skaas.

Director: Richard Wallace
Screenwriter: Warren Duff
Production Co: RKO Radio Pictures Inc.
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (DVD): Aug 4, 2009
Runtime: 1h 34m