The Narrow Margin Overview:

The Narrow Margin (1952) was a Crime - Film Noir Film directed by Richard Fleischer and produced by Stanley Rubin.

Academy Awards 1952 --- Ceremony Number 25 (source: AMPAS)

AwardRecipientResult
Best WritingMartin Goldsmith, Jack LeonardNominated
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BlogHub Articles:

DEATH IN A CLOSET: MARIE WINDSOR IN THE NARROW MARGIN (1952)

By Terry on Apr 16, 2019 From Stardust and Shadows

The single light bulb of interrogation now shines on Marie Windsor as Mrs. Frankie Neall in the model B classic picture? THE NARROW MARGIN (1952).? The? subject is the? Femme? Fatale.? The term Femme Fatale is defined loosely as “a mysterious and seductive woman whose charms ensnare her lovers... Read full article


The Narrow Margin (1952)

By 4 Star Film Fan on Nov 22, 2018 From 4 Star Films

The Narrow Margin is comprised of tight and lean drama where every bit of film is used judiciously. This should rightfully earn it respect as one of the preeminent shoestring budget?films of all time within any genre. Because it’s easy to admire films that do a fine job with a plethora of reso... Read full article


Day 12 of Noirvember: See it on TCM — The Narrow Margin (1952)

By shadowsandsatin on Nov 13, 2016 From Shadows and Satin

Don’t miss The Narrow Margin. The other day, when I listed the films noirs that I watch over and over, I forgot one. The Narrow Margin. (Well, I actually forgot more than one, but that?s another story for another day.) This first-rate feature stars two of noir?s baddest bad-asses ? Charles McG... Read full article


Classic Films in Focus: THE NARROW MARGIN (1952)

By Jennifer Garlen on Sep 1, 2014 From Virtual Virago

It might not be as famous as the noir classics that usually make the top ten lists, but The Narrow Margin (1952) is definitely a picture that every noir fan ought to get around to, and the sooner the better. Richard Fleischer’s tight, smart thriller packs a cross-country train trip with unexpe... Read full article


Classic Films in Focus: THE NARROW MARGIN (1952)

By Jennifer Garlen on Sep 1, 2014 From Virtual Virago

It might not be as famous as the noir classics that usually make the top ten lists, but The Narrow Margin (1952) is definitely a picture that every noir fan ought to get around to, and the sooner the better. Richard Fleischer’s tight, smart thriller packs a cross-country train trip with unexpe... Read full article


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Quotes from

Walter Brown: So far they haven't spotted you, and they don't know what you look like. But they've seen me. If they start shooting in my direction, I don't want you hit.
Mrs. Neall: You're sure it isn't the other way around?


Walter Brown: Sister, I've known some pretty hard cases in my time; you make 'em all look like putty. You're not talking about a sack of gumdrops that's gonna be smashed - you're talking about a dame's life! You may think it's a funny idea for a woman with a kid to stop a bullet for you, only I'm not laughing!
Mrs. Neall: Where do you get off, being so superior? Why shouldn't I take advantage of her - I want to live! If you had to step on someone to get something you wanted real bad, would you think twice about it?
Walter Brown: Shut up!
Mrs. Neall: In a pig's eye you would! You're no different from me.
Walter Brown: Shut up!
Mrs. Neall: Not till I tell you something, you cheap badge-pusher! When we started on this safari, you made it plenty clear I was just a job, and no joy in it, remember?
Walter Brown: Yeah, and it still goes, double!
Mrs. Neall: Okay, keep it that way. I don't care whether you dreamed up this gag or not; you're going right along with it, so don't go soft on me. And once you handed out a line about poor Forbes getting killed, 'cause it was his duty. Well, it's your duty too! Even if this dame gets murdered.
Walter Brown: You make me sick to my stomach.
Mrs. Neall: Well, use your own sink. And let me know when the target practice starts!


Mrs. Neall: That hood wasn't looking at her big blue eyes. He thinks that's me, and I think that's dandy.


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Facts about

The route the train takes is the route of the old Santa Fe Railroad. The Amtrak Southwest Chief takes that same route as of 2009.
Filmed in 1950, not released until 1952. According to director Richard Fleischer, when the film was finished RKO Pictures owner Howard Hughes heard good things about it and ordered that a copy of it be delivered to him so he could screen it in his private projection room. The film stayed in the projection room for more than a year, apparently because the eccentric Hughes forgot about it.
Other than a brief scene in which a phonograph is playing, there is no music in the soundtrack.
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Best Writing Oscar 1952
















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Also directed by Richard Fleischer




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Also produced by Stanley Rubin




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Also released in 1952




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