Loan Shark (film)

This article is about the 1952 film. For the 1999 film, see Loanshark (film).

Loan Shark
Theatrical release lobby card
Directed by	Seymour Friedman
Screenplay by	Eugene Ling Martin Rackin
Produced by	Bernard Luber
Starring	George Raft Dorothy Hart Paul Stewart
Cinematography	Joseph F. Biroc
Edited by	Albrecht Joseph
Music by	Heinz Roemheld
Production company	Encore Productions
Distributed by	Lippert Pictures
Release dates	May 9, 1952 (1952-05-09) (Los Angeles) May 11, 1952 (1952-05-11) (New York)
Running time	80 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$250,000

Loan Shark is a 1952 American crime film noir directed by Seymour Friedman and starring George Raft, Dorothy Hart and Paul Stewart.

Plot

A vicious loan-sharking ring has infiltrated a tire factory and is terrorizing workers who borrow money from them. After several men are beaten, a union leader and the plant owner ask recently released convict Joe Gargan, who has been referred for a job in the plant by his brother-in-law, who is employed there, to help dismantle the gang. Joe refuses because he wants a clean, straight life and a relationship with the owner's secretary. He changes his mind when his brother-in-law is killed by the sharks. He eventually garners the trust of the underboss of the gang and lands a job with them. He works to eventually stop them, but he must keep his mission a secret, causing his rejection by both his sister and his girlfriend.

Cast

• George Raft as Joe Gargen
• Dorothy Hart as Ann Nelson
• Paul Stewart as Lou Donelli
• John Hoyt as Vince Phillips
• Helen Westcott as Martha Gargen Haines
• Henry Slate as Paul Nelson
• Russell Johnson as Charlie Thompson
• Margia Dean as Ivy
• Benny Baker as Tubby
• Lawrence Dobkin as Walter Kerr
• Virginia Carroll as Netta Casmer
• Robert Bice as Steve Casmer
• George Eldredge as Mr. Howell
• Ross Elliott as Norm
• William Tannen as Rourke
• Harlan Warde as Lt. White
• Robert B. Williams as Scully
• Charles Meredith as F.L. Rennick
• William Edward Phipps as Ed Haines
• Barbara Woodell as Mrs. Hilton
• Robert Karnes as Police Lieutenant
• Claire Carleton as Nagging Wife

Production

Martin Rackin wrote the original script for producer Louis Edelman at Warner Bros. in 1949. The project became the property of Lippert Pictures, an independent film company that had enjoyed success with second features and some more ambitious productions. It was the first production from a new arrangement between Robert Lippert and Famous Artists Corporation whereby clients of Famous Artists would produce films for Lippert to distribute. Facing a dwindling market for second features, Lippert was willing to sacrifice as much as 75% of the profits to entice screen talent. The film's writer, producer and director were all granted shares of its revenue.

Gail Russell was intended as the female lead but was withdrawn because of personal problems. George Raft was paid $25,000 plus 25% of the profits.

Filming began in late January 1952 at RKO-Pathé Studios and wrapped by the end of February.

Reception

In a contemporary review for The New York Times, critic Howard Thompson wrote: "For all the pat format, this little picture isn't particularly hard to take. The director, Seymour Friedman, manages to pace the proceedings at a reasonable clip. The screen play by Eugene Ling and Martin Rackin not only affords the cast some brisk dialogue but stirs up a fair amount of suspense, particularly toward the climax ... For once, Mr. Raft's tight-lipped suavity seems perfectly in order ... 'Loan Shark,' while nothing special, could have been a lot worse."

Critic Edwin Schallert of the Los Angeles Times wrote: "'Loan Shark' ... will probably fill the bill for those who like this vigorous straight away sort of action film. It sustains its interest."

External links

• Loan Shark at IMDb
• Loan Shark at the TCM Movie Database (archived)
• Loan Shark information and DVD review
• Loan Shark film scene on YouTube