Woman on the Run

Released Nov 29, 1950

1h 17m

Crime

Drama

List

88%

Tomatometer

8 Reviews

80%

Audience Score

250+ Ratings

After witnessing a murder, Frank Johnson goes on the run to avoid being killed himself. His wife, Eleanor (Ann Sheridan), seems almost apathetic about finding him when questioned by Investigator Harris (Robert Keith), due to a marriage on the rocks. However, after learning that Frank has a grave heart condition, Eleanor recruits reporter Dan Leggett (Dennis O'Keefe) to help track down Frank. Discovering new love for her husband along the way, Eleanor must get to Frank before the killer does.

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TIME Magazine

The picture's attempt to dovetail its marital problem with its manhunt makes for a promising story skeleton; unfortunately, it has been fleshed out with a minimum of imagination.

Oct 28, 2015

Full Review

Bosley Crowther

New York Times

Woman on the Run will not win prizes but it does make crime enjoyable.

Oct 28, 2015

Full Review

Nick Schager

Lessons of Darkness

A superb showcase for Sheridan.

Rated: B+

Jun 6, 2006

Full Review

Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

... this is the rare film noir that opens in indifference and resentment and becomes a story of rediscovery and renewal.

Dec 3, 2022

Full Review

Nicholas Bell

IONCINEMA.com

Those in search of overlooked gems of film noir should be pleased with this cleaned-up Ann Sheridan headliner.

Rated: 3/5

Oct 8, 2020

Full Review

Mattie Lucas

From the Front Row

The roller coaster finale is especially thrilling, releasing 70 minutes worth of tension that makes for a tightly crafted joyride of a film.

Rated: 3/4

Jun 5, 2019

Full Review

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Martin B

One of the best of this era in my view. Great plot, good actors full of twists and turns you really never know where it will end up. A wife that doesn't really know her husband trying to put together clues the husband gives her in order to catch up to him that only come back in snipets. All the while we know a supposed ally is the bad guy trying to catch up as well. Not formula at all very refreshing. Title is misleadin but that's about the only thing wrong with this oldie but goodie.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/09/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Woman on the Run (Streaming on Multiple platforms including Youtube) but make sure you see it in the original BW and not the poorly colorized version. Is a film noir with a female lead and a sharp screenplay and witty dialog. The budget was modest and they struggled in some places with the filming limitations of the time (notably in the final act). Ann Sheridan is great in it. 3 1/2 stars out of 5.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/24/23

Full Review

ronald h

Absolutely great noir! Beautifully filmed in 1950 San Francisco, with "noir" snappy dialogue....along with the clothes, the old cars, and an intriguing plot with a great twist at the end. A real treasure. The plot moves rapidly and builds suspense quite well. Ann Sheridan, Dennis O'Keefe, and Ross Ellliott all turn in sterling performances, and Rembrandt the dog is excellent! Very Hitchcock-like with straightforward storytelling, masterful cinematography, and bits of wry humor. Noir fans, do not miss this one!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I believe Ms. Sheridan played the part of Lucille Ball playing the part of Mrs. Johnson! Great movie! Suspense like mad at the end!

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/29/23

Full Review

s r

An edgy film noir filmed in San Francisco. Sheridan was good.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

paul d

This is a very well made noir crime thriller, a taut, dramatic mystery that stands up well today. It is a visual treat, shot in a direct, economical style with lots of close-ups and tightly framed shots, and using beautiful San Francisco to heighten the atmosphere.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

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Norman Foster

Director

Ann Sheridan

Eleanor Johnson

Dennis O'Keefe

Dan Legget

Robert Keith

Inspector Martin Ferris

John Qualen

Maibus

Frank Jenks

Detective Homer Shaw

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Synopsis

After witnessing a murder, Frank Johnson goes on the run to avoid being killed himself. His wife, Eleanor (Ann Sheridan), seems almost apathetic about finding him when questioned by Investigator Harris (Robert Keith), due to a marriage on the rocks. However, after learning that Frank has a grave heart condition, Eleanor recruits reporter Dan Leggett (Dennis O'Keefe) to help track down Frank. Discovering new love for her husband along the way, Eleanor must get to Frank before the killer does.

Director: Norman Foster
Screenwriter: Sylvia Tate, Alan Campbell, Norman Foster
Production Co: Fidelity Pictures Corporation
Genre: Crime, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 29, 1950, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 15, 2016
Runtime: 1h 17m

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