Whispering Smith

1948
Approved
1h 28m

IMDb RATING

6.6/10

1.4K

YOUR RATING

Alan Ladd and Brenda Marshall in Whispering Smith (1948)

Legendary railroad detective Whispering Smith becomes convinced that old friend and colleague Murray Sinclair has joined a criminal band to loot the railroad.

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Classical Western Western

Legendary railroad detective Whispering Smith becomes convinced that old friend and colleague Murray Sinclair has joined a criminal band to loot the railroad.Legendary railroad detective Whispering Smith becomes convinced that old friend and colleague Murray Sinclair has joined a criminal band to loot the railroad.Legendary railroad detective Whispering Smith becomes convinced that old friend and colleague Murray Sinclair has joined a criminal band to loot the railroad.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.6/10

1.4K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Awards
- 1 nomination

Trivia
The railhead town site was constructed on the Paramount lot adjacent to the neighboring RKO Pictures studio. It became the basis for what would go on to become Paramount's famous western town set as seen in TV's Bonanza (1959) and numerous other TV shows and movies. Prior to 1948, Paramount didn't have a western set on its studio lot. A short line of track was laid down that allowed a working period locomotive to pull into town.

Goofs
When Smith shoots his horse, the shadow of the dollying camera can be seen crossing his arm.

Quotes
Murray Sinclair: Guys like Smitty they don't make anymore!

Connections
Edited into Rails Into Laramie (1954)

Soundtracks
Laramie
Written by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans

User reviews34

Review

Featured review

7/10

Railroad western has fine work by Alan Ladd

One of Alan Ladd's first starring films is this entertaining detective western as a railroad investigator assigned to solve the mystery of a rash of train robberies. The detective investigates an old friend whose fine ranch and well-to-do lifestyle are not in accord with his workman's salary, which is the main plot angle. The picture is more of a mystery than a typical western and Ladd's inclination to underplay his scenes gives his character credibility. Ladd's deceptively easygoing portrayals in westerns made him one of the most popular actors of his time. Robert Preston is also good in a role that he seemed to relish, an ethically-compromised man who knew right from wrong but did the devil's work because he thought he could get away with it. Brenda Marshall is lovely as a married woman who still carries a torch for her one-time suitor. The cast is good, as is Ray Rennahan's camera work and Adolph Deutch's music accompaniment.