Kidnapped is a 1948 American historical adventure film directed by William Beaudine and starring Roddy McDowall, Sue England and Dan O'Herlihy. It is based on the 1886 novel of the same name by Robert Louis Stevenson. The former child star McDowall plays David Balfour in the story about a young man cheated out of his birthright by his wicked, covetous uncle Ebenezer (Houseley Stevenson).KIDNAPPED Monthly Film Bulletin; London Vol. 16, Iss. 181, (Jan 1, 1949): 118.
Plot Scotland, 1751: At a stately manor near Edinburgh, the young David Balfour arrives with a sealed letter from his recently deceased father for Ebenezer, his uncle. It is meant to be delivered to a family lawyer to introduce David as the rightful heir to the property.
After slyly trying to kill his previously unknown nephew but failing, Ebenezer conspires with a sea captain, Hoseason, to take the boy hostage and sell him into slavery. A prisoner aboard ship, David soon meets Alan Breck, who, in need of rescue, now finds himself in danger of Hoseason stealing his gold and perhaps murdering him as well. David's quick intervention saves his life.
Washed up ashore after a storm, David is hidden by an innkeeper's daughter, Aileen, then begins a long and arduous journey home. With the help of Alan, he is able to coerce a confession about the kidnapping from his uncle that is overheard by the lawyer, who now knows David to be the proper heir. Hoseason, feeling betrayed, tries to kill Ebenezer in a sword fight, resulting in the deaths of both.
Cast Actor Role Roddy McDowall David Balfour Sue England Aileen Fairlie Dan O'Herlihy Alan Breck Roland Winters Capt. Hoseason Jeff Corey Shuan Houseley Stevenson Ebenezer Erskine Sanford Rankeillor Alex Frazer Hugh Fairlie Winifriede McDowall Innkeeper's Wife Robert J. Anderson Ransome Janet Murdoch Janet Clouston Olaf Hytten The Red Fox Erville Alderson Mungo Mary Gordon Scotswoman Hugh O'Brian Sailor Eric Wilton Rankeillor's Secretary Jimmie Dodd Scottish Sailor
Production McDowall performed a radio version of the novel in 1946 with Douglas Fairbanks Jr.Hope Springs Eternal! Hopper, Hedda. The Washington Post 30 Apr 1946: 4.
In 1948 McDowall was making a series of films for Monogram Pictures on which McDowall would star and executive produce. They selected Kidnapped. Dan O'Herlihy, who had just appeared in Orson Welles' Macbeth was signed to play Alan Breck. Filming started on Santa Catalina in May 1948. The film unit used James Cagney's yacht, the Swift.O'Herlihy to Act Breck; LaGuardia Deal Hinted Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 8 May 1948: 9. Studio work took place at Nassour Studios.Tuna Fisherman Role Will Star McDowall Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 22 May 1948: 7.
Monogram considered making a sequel, David Balfour, also starring McDowall.APPEAR IN MURDER PICTURE New York Times 22 Oct 1948: 32. It was meant to follow Tuna Clipper, the next McDowall-Parsons-Monogram film.Morros Jr., Questing McCormack Story Rights; 'David Balfour' on Slate Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 22 Oct 1948: 23. However this did not eventuate.
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