One of the great romantic pairings of the classic era, Veronica Lake and Alan Ladd, appeared in four films over six years. These were classic film noirs where Lake and Ladd sizzled on screen together. But while Ladd quickly rose to stardom and stayed there, Lake suffered from alcoholism and mental illness, and her career fizzled out by the time they made their fourth and final picture.
“This Gun for Hire” is a 1942 American film noir directed by Frank Tuttle and based on the 1936 novel “A Gun for Sale” by Graham Greene. The film stars Veronica Lake, Robert Preston, Laird Cregar, and Alan Ladd. Set in wartime San Francisco, the plot follows chemist and blackmailer Albert Baker, killed by hitman Philip Raven. Willard Gates betrays his employee, Raven, after he retrieves the stolen chemical formula. The film weaves a thrilling tale of revenge, espionage, and unexpected alliances.
Impact on Actors’ Careers:
Alan Ladd: His portrayal of the cold-blooded assassin Philip Raven solidified his status as a leading actor. Ladd’s brooding intensity and magnetic presence left a lasting impact on audiences, propelling him to further success in Hollywood.
Veronica Lake: Already a famous star, Lake’s collaboration with Ladd in this film showcased their chemistry. Although her career waned in subsequent years, her pairing with Ladd remains iconic in film noir history.
“The Glass Key” is a gripping 1942 American film noir based on Dashiell Hammett’s 1931 novel. Directed by Stuart Heisler, it stars Brian Donlevy, Veronica Lake, and Alan Ladd (despite being billed third). The plot revolves around political corruption, betrayal, and violence. Ladd’s captivating performance as the lead character helped establish him as a prominent actor. Interestingly, Ladd and Lake had previously worked together in two other successful crime film: “This Gun for Hire” (1942). The film’s stylish cinematography and atmospheric noir elements contributed to its enduring popularity, making it a genre classic.
“The Blue Dahlia” is a 1946 American film noir with an original screenplay by Raymond Chandler. Directed by George Marshall, it stars Alan Ladd, Veronica Lake, and William Bendix. The plot revolves around war veterans Johnny Morrison, Buzz Wanchek, and George Copeland reuniting in Hollywood. Johnny discovers his wife’s affair with nightclub owner Eddie Harwood, leading to a confrontation. When Helen is found dead, Johnny becomes a suspect. The film showcases the talents of its supporting cast, including strong performances from Bendix, Howard Da Silva, and Doris Dowling. It solidified Ladd’s status as a leading actor and remains a genre classic.
“Saigon” (1948), directed by Leslie Fenton, stars Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake in their fourth and final collaboration. The film is a post-World War II crime drama set in Shanghai. Major Larry Briggs (Ladd) learns that his friend Captain Mike Perry (Douglas Dick) has only two months to live due to a head injury. Determined to show Mike a good time, Larry takes a flying job for profiteer Alex Maris (Morris Carnovsky). When Maris’s secretary, Susan Cleaver (Lake), boards the aircraft, a complex web of romance, betrayal, and danger unfolds. Despite being part of their last film together, “Saigon” didn’t match the earlier successes for Lake, whose career was waning, while Ladd remained a top male star at Paramount.
Veronica Lake and Alan Ladd Movies. https://www.liveabout.com/veronica-lake-and-alan-ladd-movies-4019322 West Street — WikiMili, The Best Wikipedia Reader. https://wikimili.com/en/13_West_Street
What was the last movie you saw? | Page 229 | Loneliness, Depression & Relationship Forum. https://www.alonelylife.com/threads/what-was-the-last-movie-you-saw.2464/page-229
The Blue Dahlia (1946) | suggap — movies recommendations system. https://suggap.com/movie/MDFjNzNlY2/the-blue-dahlia
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