Sophie Bennett
The 1949 film noir Act of Violence stars Janet Leigh as Edith Enley, the young wife of protagonist Frank Enley, a former prisoner of war. Leigh's character is unaware of her husband's dark past, which comes back to haunt him when Joe Parkson, a former comrade, arrives in town seeking revenge. The film also stars Phyllis Thaxter, who plays a smaller part as Joe Parkson's girlfriend.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the movie | Act of Violence |
| Year | 1948 or 1949 |
| Director | Fred Zinnemann |
| Starring | Van Heflin, Robert Ryan, Janet Leigh, Mary Astor, Phyllis Thaxter |
| Character played by Janet Leigh | Edith, Frank Enley's wife |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Janet Leigh plays Frank's adoring, fearful and confused wife, Edith
- Mary Astor gives a magnificent performance as a barfly
- The film is adapted from an unpublished story by Collier Young
- Robert Ryan plays Joe Parkson, a man disabled in World War II seeking revenge
- Van Heflin plays Frank Enley, a former prisoner of war with a dark secret
Janet Leigh plays Frank's adoring, fearful and confused wife, Edith
Janet Leigh plays Edith Enley, the wife of Frank Enley, in the 1948 film noir 'Act of Violence'. Frank is a former prisoner of war who is hailed as a hero in his California town. However, he aided his Nazi captors and kept this a secret from his wife. When his former friend and fellow survivor, Joe Parkson, confronts him, Frank goes into hiding, abandoning Edith.
Leigh's performance as Edith has been described as "natural and touching". Her character is adoring, fearful, confused, and disillusioned. She is unaware of her husband's wartime transgressions and believes him to be "the finest, most wonderful man in the whole world". As the truth about Frank is revealed, Edith is forced to confront the reality of her husband's faults and weaknesses.
In one scene, Edith pleads with Frank to take action against Joe, who is trying to murder him. She says, "Frank, we've got to do something! [...] There's something you can do. And if you won't do it, I will!". However, Frank refuses to take any action, leading to a tragic outcome.
Throughout the film, Leigh's portrayal of Edith captures the complex emotions of a wife struggling to understand her husband's dark secrets and fearing for his safety. Her performance adds depth and suspense to the story, contributing to the overall success of 'Act of Violence'.
Janet Leigh's performance as Edith in 'Act of Violence' showcases her range and talent as an actress. Her ability to portray a character who is both adoring and fearful towards her husband adds a layer of complexity to the film's exploration of morality and the impact of war on individuals and their relationships.
Splaying Chicken: A Culinary Art Form or a Science?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![A History of Violence (The Criterion Collection) [4K UHD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71lqpbUFtWL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Mary Astor gives a magnificent performance as a barfly
When we first meet Pat, she is sitting alone in a bar at closing time. She is a drab barfly, not wanting to go home alone. When a man comes in, she gives him a tired, automatic line: “What are you doin’ down here, handsome—looking for some kicks?” Her voice is flat and sour, her face a weathered memory of prettiness. She cozies up to the newcomer, practiced, pathetic, and obvious. She’s been around the block too many times to count.
In the harsh lighting of her apartment, we see that Pat's first impression was too kind. She is a poor, bedraggled alley-cat, wearing a loud-patterned crepe dress, a shapeless coat, and ankle-strap sandals. Astor devised this look herself, stripping away the graceful poise that was typical of her on-screen persona. She also shed her characteristic cello-like rich voice to reveal a Midwestern flatness.
Despite the small role, Astor's performance as Pat is showy and memorable. Her character is a survivor in the lowest regions of the noir city, a woman who can stand on her own. Astor's performance is a standout, brassy, and blowzy, and her character is a far cry from the ornamental love interests and mothers she often played.
The Art of French Chicken: A Culinary Adventure
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![History of Violence, A (BD) [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/616yVdF4LPL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![In a Valley of Violence [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61LtZQrwHkL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
The film is adapted from an unpublished story by Collier Young
The 1949 film noir "Act of Violence" was adapted for the screen by Robert L. Richards from an unpublished story by Collier Young. Young was an ambitious assistant to Columbia studio boss Harry Cohn. The film was directed by Fred Zinnemann and produced by Hollywood studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
"Act of Violence" stars Van Heflin as Frank R. Enley, a former prisoner of war who is respected for his good character and works in the small California town of Santa Lisa, where he lives with his young wife Edith and their baby. However, Frank is hiding a dark secret: he aided his Nazi captors during the war. When Joe Parkson (Robert Ryan), a fellow survivor, arrives in Santa Lisa, he is intent on making Frank pay for his betrayal. Joe holds Frank responsible for his disability, which he sustained during the war, and has been searching for him for a while.
As Joe closes in, Frank goes into hiding, abandoning his wife and child. The film follows Joe's pursuit of Frank and explores the ethical dilemmas faced by World War II veterans. It was one of the first films to address the problems faced by returning veterans and the trauma they experienced during the war.
"Act of Violence" also stars Janet Leigh as Frank's wife, Edith, and Mary Astor, Berry Kroeger, and Taylor Holmes in supporting roles. The film was a critical success, with positive reviews praising the direction, performances, and exploration of moral themes. However, it was a commercial flop, failing to recoup its budget at the box office.
Meat Options for Dogs with Kidney Disease: Chicken or Beef?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![In a Valley of Violence [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81K+urOgmTS._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Robert Ryan plays Joe Parkson, a man disabled in World War II seeking revenge
Robert Ryan plays Joe Parkson in the 1948 film noir "Act of Violence". The film, directed by Fred Zinnemann, stars Van Heflin, Janet Leigh, and Mary Astor alongside Ryan. Ryan's character, Joe Parkson, is a disabled World War II veteran seeking revenge against his old commanding officer, Frank Enley (played by Heflin). Parkson holds Enley responsible for his disability and seeks to kill him. The film explores the ethics of war and the problems faced by World War II veterans, with Parkson's relentless pursuit of Enley creating a tense and thrilling narrative.
Robert Ryan's performance as Joe Parkson is described as "infernally taut", with Ryan portraying a man on the verge of violence. Parkson is crippled by his experiences, both physically and mentally, and is obsessed with finding Enley. Despite his disability, Parkson is determined and relentless in his pursuit, crossing a parade line and limping obsessively to get to the other side. Ryan's portrayal of a disabled veteran is nuanced and complex, adding depth to the character.
As the film progresses, Enley, once respected and considered a hero in his California town, slowly disintegrates under the pressure of Parkson's pursuit. It is revealed that Enley, a former prisoner of war, aided his Nazi captors, and he is trying to escape the fallout from his wartime actions. Parkson, a fellow survivor, knows Enley's secret and is intent on making him pay for his betrayal. The film builds suspense as Parkson closes in on Enley, who goes into hiding, abandoning his wife, Edith (played by Janet Leigh).
"Act of Violence" received positive reviews, with critics praising the performances of both Heflin and Ryan. Variety described the film as "grim melodrama", highlighting the "punchy performances" that gave substance to the menacing terror. The film's direction, cinematography, and acting were also commended, with Robert Surtees's shadowy scenes and Bronislau Kaper's tense music score contributing to the overall impact. The film currently holds a 90% "Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
She's Out of My League": Chick Flick or Not
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Van Heflin plays Frank Enley, a former prisoner of war with a dark secret
In the 1948 film noir "Act of Violence", Van Heflin plays Frank Enley, a former prisoner of war and ex-Air Force captain who is respected in his small California town of Santa Lisa. Frank is a pillar of the community, giving speeches at patriotic parades, and is a friendly guy with a great young wife, Edith, a baby, and a growing business. However, Frank is hiding a dark secret from his past as a prisoner of war.
Frank Enley is a survivor of a Nazi POW camp, where his comrades were murdered by guards during an escape attempt. He is respected in his community for his fine character and good works. However, Frank is actually hiding a dark secret from his time in the prison camp. He had aided his Nazi captors and betrayed his fellow prisoners, and this secret comes back to haunt him when fellow survivor Joe Parkson, once his best friend, emerges intent on revenge.
Joe Parkson (played by Robert Ryan) was left with a crippled leg after the escape attempt and holds Frank responsible for his disability. He comes to Frank's town to kill him, and Frank goes into hiding, abandoning his wife and child. Joe confronts Edith and tells her the truth about Frank's past, and Frank is forced to confront his dark secret as he tries to escape Joe's pursuit.
Van Heflin's performance as Frank Enley is described as impressive and strained, portraying a man who slowly disintegrates under the pressure of his past catching up with him. The film "Act of Violence" is noted for its strong performances, tense storytelling, and exploration of the ethics of war and the impact on veterans. It offers a nuanced portrayal of a man with a dark secret, trying to escape his past.
Fancy Feast Pate: Grain-Free or Not?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Janet Leigh plays the role of Edith, the wife of Frank Enley (played by Van Heflin).
Frank Enley is a former prisoner of war, respected in his California town.
The film follows Frank Enley, a man with a dark secret. His shameful past comes back to haunt him when his former friend and fellow survivor, Joe Parkson (played by Robert Ryan), seeks revenge.
Joe Parkson was left with a crippled leg and blames Frank for his disability.
Mary Astor also stars in the film, alongside Phyllis Thaxter.
