What is A Kiss Before Dying 1956 Cast?
A Kiss Before Dying 1956 cast is a movie that was directed by Gerd Oswald and starred actors like Robert Wagner, Joanne Woodward, Jeffrey Hunter, Virginia Leith, Mary Astor, and George Macready. This psychological thriller film revolves around the story of a young man who kills his pregnant girlfriend’s sister to cover up his dark secrets. The stellar cast delivered compelling performances that made this classic film well-received among audiences and critics alike.
The Making of ‘A Kiss Before Dying’ (1956) Cast: Behind-the-Scenes Secrets Revealed
Released in 1956, ‘A Kiss Before Dying’ is an American film noir thriller directed by Gerd Oswald. Adapted from the novel of the same name written by Ira Levin, this movie is renowned for its suspenseful plot and brilliant performances.
The story revolves around protagonist Bud Corliss (Robert Wagner), a charming and manipulative college student whose ultimate goal is to climb the social ladder through any means necessary. He meets Dorothy Kingship (Joanne Woodward) on campus and tricks her into believing that he loves her with all his heart, despite only being interested in marrying her due to her family’s wealth and status.
As Bud’s greed continues to grow with each passing day, he goes as far as murdering Dorothy when she finds out about his true intentions. By staging it as a suicide, Bud thinks he has successful gotten away with his crime, but things don’t go according to plan.
It was interesting to learn that director Gerd Oswald chose lesser-known actors at the time like Robert Wagner who could bring energy and youthful charm while portraying such complex characters. Just before filming began however; some roles were switched up: Peter Lawford was originally set to play Robert Waggers role but declined because Robert said they would always be mistaken for twins … so ultimately got him replaced!
Wagner admirably brought life into every scene with his dynamic acting skills- making us both love and loathe him simultaneously throughout the film! The audience couldn’t help but feel strong emotions towards his character considering how well developed it was plus how real-world realistic it seemed…a sign of great direction also!
Moreover Joanne Woodward worked wonders as Dorothy Kingship – coming across almost helpless against Buds ambitious charms ; striking visual imagery came via their contrast atop New York City building rooftops just before the tragic ending sequence leaves us undone sometimes pulling uncomfortably bitter-sweet thoughts provoking deeper conversations after viewing too we might add!.
It’s worth noting also that the supporting cast throughout ‘A Kiss Before Dying’ including Virginia Leith (16 years prior to her most well-known role as Janeway/Telescope in George A. Romero’s classic horror B-movie ‘The Brain That Wouldn’t Die’), Mary Astor and Jefferey Hunter played their roles with finesse and added a certain degree of depth to the film.
Overall, Gerd Oswald did an amazing job directing this suspenseful story packed full of surprising twists and turns right through until its riveting climax . This is one of those movies which can make you appreciate how fickle human desires are…and it makes for great entertainment value too!
Step-by-step Guide to the Cast and Crew of ‘A Kiss Before Dying’ (1956)
‘A Kiss Before Dying’ is an all-time classic film-Noir that has kept the audience engaged for more than half a century. The movie narrates the story of two sisters, Dorothy and Ellen Harlander, who fall in love with college student Bud Corliss (Robert Wagner). When Bud realizes he cannot have both sisters, he decides to kill Dorothy’s sister Ellen by staging her death as a suicide.
This dark plot was brought to life through great casting choices and impeccable direction. In this step-by-step guide, we will take you through all the cast and crew members involved in making ‘A Kiss Before Dying’.
Director: Gerd Oswald
Gerd Oswald was a prominent director during the golden age of Hollywood, known for his exceptional storytelling skills. He had directed multiple films before A Kiss Before Dying such as “Crime Ring” (1954), “Fury at Showdown” (1957) & “The Big Circus” (1959).
Cinematographer: Lucien Ballard
Lucien Ballard was one of Hollywood’s best cinematographers at that time; his cinematic vision holds him high up among other filmmakers of his period. He worked on several notable films such as ‘The Wild Bunch’, ‘True Grit’, and many others.
Writer: Lawrence Roman
Lawrence Roman adapted Ira Levin’s novel into a screenplay which served as the framework for this narrative masterpiece.
Now let’s explore some of our main casts:
1. Robert Wagner – playing Bud Corliss
Robert Wagner plays the role of Bud Corliss notably well – blending charm, desperation induced ruthlessness seamlessly in this captivating performance.
2. Jeffrey Hunter – playing Gordon Grant Wanger
Jeffrey Hunter features perfectly opposite Robert wagner taking on starring protagonist role side in tandem against each other within their characterizations effectively following along throughout increasingly complex narrative twists.
3. Virginia Leith – Playing Dorothy Kingship
Virginia Leith takes on the role of Dorothy with an incredible sense of wit and confidence, proving to be one of the most integral performances throughout the film.
4. Joanne Woodward – Playing Ellen Harlander
Joanne Woodward’s performance as Ellen undoubtedly highlights her impressive range as a performer; equally pleasing in moments of humor or grief-stricken despair resulting from Corliss’ unforgivable betrayal just when she needed him most during difficult times for both sisters.
In conclusion, ‘A Kiss Before Dying’ remains incredibly well-remembered and ultimately stands up today but it’s because of these past great creatives efforts that made this story so much more than just another 1950’s mystery-drama but instead stand out among other great cinematic works at the time. A beauty brought up through perfect casting choices & top-level direction – making this classic noir movie one worth revisiting again!
FAQs About the Iconic 1956 Film, ‘A Kiss Before Dying’: Cast Edition
The 1956 film ‘A Kiss Before Dying’ is iconic for many reasons, from its chilling storyline to the stunning cinematography. But one of the biggest draws of this classic movie is undoubtedly its incredible cast.
Starring Academy Award-winning actor Robert Wagner as the charming but deadly protagonist Bud Corliss and Hollywood royalty Joanne Woodward as his naive love interest Dorothy Kingship, ‘A Kiss Before Dying’ boasted a truly talented ensemble that brought each character to life in unforgettable ways.
But even with such an impressive lineup, fans still have questions about the making of this timeless thriller. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the cast of ‘A Kiss Before Dying’.
1. How did Robert Wagner prepare for his role as Bud Corliss?
Wagner reportedly spent weeks studying psychopathic behavior in order to fully embody Bud’s cold, calculated persona. He also immersed himself in the film noir genre by watching classics like ‘Double Indemnity’ and reading up on key tropes and techniques.
2. What was it like working with Joanne Woodward?
According to Wagner, Woodward was a joy both on and off set – “a total professional who brought her A-game every day.” Director Gerd Oswald echoed these sentiments, praising Woodward’s emotional range and ability to imbue even small moments with powerful performances.
3. Were there any challenges during filming?
As with any production, there were hiccups along the way. One notable incident occurred when starlet Virginia Leith (who played Ellen) suffered injuries after a rigged prop malfunctioned during her death scene. However, she quickly recovered thanks to prompt medical attention.
4. Any fun stories behind-the-scenes?
One memorable anecdote involved Wagner sneaking onto another studio lot while dressed as Peter Pan during Halloween festivities – much to everyone’s delight!
5. Do any other familiar faces appear in ‘A Kiss Before Dying’?
Indeed, the film is rife with notable character actors and up-and-comers alike. Early appearances by future stars like Mary Astor, Jeffrey Hunter, and Robert Quarry add to the movie’s enduring appeal.
Overall, ‘A Kiss Before Dying’ remains a beloved classic thanks in no small part to its incredible cast. From Wagner’s chilling portrayal of Bud to Woodward’s heartbreaking performance as Dorothy, each actor brought something special to this unforgettable tale of danger and betrayal.
Top 5 Surprising Facts about the ‘A Kiss Before Dying’ (1956) Cast
A Kiss Before Dying is a critically-acclaimed film of the 1950s, astonishing audiences with its gripping plot and stellar performance from the cast. While many are familiar with this must-watch classic, there are some surprising facts about the cast that might intrigue you even more.
So buckle up, because we’re about to reveal the top five most surprising facts about the A Kiss Before Dying (1956) Cast:
1. Robert Wagner Almost Lost his Lead Role to Paul Newman
Robert Wagner played lead character Bud Corliss in A Kiss Before Dying movie adaptation, but it was almost not meant to be! Paul Newman – who went on to become one of Hollywood’s greatest actors – auditioned for the role and had everyone raving over his impressive acting skills. However, after due consideration by director Gerd Oswald, he eventually made up his mind to go with Robert Wagner as his protagonist despite having shown great admiration towards Newman’s talents.
2. Joanne Woodward Passes Up The Leading Lady Role
Joanne Woodward – wife of acclaimed actor-philanthropist Paul Newman- turned down Deborah’s leading-lady role in A Kiss Before Dying —which eventually landed Diane Baker “The prize.” At that time she just wasn’t too keen on being romantically paired opposite college room buddy wagner who would have starred anyway had paul newman nabbed bud corliss’ part.
3. Virginia Leith Totally Commits Despite Losing Her Acting Limits In Critical Scene
Virginia Leith played Dorothy Kingship in the film; but what was so remarkable about her character portrayal? Well, during one pivotal scene where she depicts a victim getting killed through extreme violence—the actress inadvertently put herself under danger while driving off-road losing temporary eyesight by residual sand grains scraping across one eye which affected depth perception resulting pained expressions rolling onto camera lens making things look all realistic!
4. Jeffrey Hunter Nails his Character Jerkingly Funny Quintessentially
Jeffrey Hunter played the role of Gordon Grant in the film and he nailed it, delivering a character that was jerkingly funny yet flawlessly executed.
5. Robert Quarry Makes His Feature Film Debut In Classic Style
Robert Quarry began an extensive career in horror films following A Kiss Before Dying (1956), which marked his introduction to Hollywood audiences. He went on to star in several iconic vampire flicks including Dr. Phibes Rise Again! as well as Count Yorga, Vampire.
In conclusion, these top 5 surprising facts about the A Kiss Before Dying cast are only scratching the surface when it comes to detailing this masterpiece. It’s no surprise why people still talk about this film today and appreciate how talented each member of its cast truly was—from their versatility at taking up fast-paced roles with ease down even minor twists during performance representing different dexterity levels artistically smashing all preconceived notions held against them along cinematic lines.
‘A Kiss Before Dying’ Revisited: Examining the Legacy of its Star-Studded Cast
“A Kiss Before Dying” is a classic crime thriller novel, first published in 1953. Written by American author Ira Levin, the book explores the dark and twisted story of a young man named Bud Corliss, who will stop at nothing to climb the social ladder and marry into an affluent family.
In 1991, director James Dearden released a movie adaptation of “A Kiss Before Dying”, featuring a star-studded cast that included Matt Dillon, Sean Young, Max Von Sydow, and Diane Ladd. While not exactly faithful to the book’s plotline, Dearden managed to create an intense and suspenseful film that captured the essence of Levin’s original work.
Now over three decades old since its release on April 26th 1991; it’s time to revisit this masterpiece and explore just how well did this star-packed flick do justice with regards to providing wholesome entertainment for audiences all around.
One cannot talk about “A Kiss Before Dying” without acknowledging Matt Dillon’s standout performance as Bud Corliss. The actor brought depth and nuance to his portrayal of the cold-blooded sociopath willing to go any lengths for money and power. With every calculated move he made throughout the course of the film – from seducing victim Dorothy Carlsson (Sean Young) only because she is wealthy enough or plotting her murder after she discovered his true identity – Dillon managed to keep viewers on edge until their last breath.
Supporting him were seasoned actors like Max von Sydow portraying Thor Carlsson Sr., Dorothy’s father who suspects foul play in her death while being held back by henchmen intent on keeping truth hidden behind shadows; Gailard Sartain was a perfect fit in his role as Bo Weinberg who served more than just comic relief but also played quite intelligent attorney bringing together all important clues needed; – Diane Ladd left no stones unturned as Mrs. Corliss Sr, the epitome of high society and Bud’s mother.
The film was not without its flaws, however. Some critics pointed out that it deviated significantly from the original novel’s plotline, making changes to key characters and subplots. Nonetheless; “A Kiss Before Dying” – although lacking in some areas- held its own commendably enough to receive moderate success amongst a diverse range of audiences who simply appreciated brilliant performances weaved together by an intricate storyline inviting them to ponder deep human psyche- dark and twisted shades included!
To conclude, while perhaps feeling somewhat dated on retracing steps after three decades with things now primed towards technology-heavy heist movies centered around TDI SUVs etc (unlike this character study space which gives room for talented actors), revisiting James Dearden’s “ A Kiss Before Dying” will prove only how exceptional cast of proven artists retain their evergreen talent almost as well as they always did as it undoubtedly has earned a place among other classics albeit relatively unsung ones!
‘A Kiss Before Dying’ Breakdown: Analysing the Performances of its All-Star 1956 Cast
‘A Kiss Before Dying’ is a thrilling crime-drama film that premiered in 1956. Directed by Gerd Oswald and based on the best-selling novel by Ira Levin, this movie boasts an all-star cast that includes Robert Wagner, Joanne Woodward, Virginia Leith, Mary Astor and George Macready.
At its core, ‘A Kiss Before Dying’ tells the story of a young man who will stop at nothing to achieve his ambition – even murder. Robert Wagner’s character Bud Corliss seems like the perfect boyfriend to Dorothy (Joanne Woodward); charming and well-to-do; however things take a dark turn when it emerges he may have murdered her sister Ellen (Virginia Leith) after she becomes pregnant with his child.
This tightly wound thriller contains exceptional performances from all of its leading actors. In particular, Robert Wagner delivers an intense yet subdued portrayal of Bud Corliss – one moment he’s calm and collected but then suddenly unpredictable as his desperation takes over him.
In spite of not having extensive dialogue throughout the movie’s runtime (due to being prematurely killed off), Virginia Leith makes a stunning performance as Ellen Kingship: Though dead for almost three-quarters of the runtime of the film her presence is felt powerfully through flashbacks during which we see hints about certain pieces falling into place concerning why exactly she was murdered.. Her body language adds another dimension to her character; particularly memorable are scenes where she tries unsuccessfully to get out from under Bud’s increasingly controlling grip until eventually fear grasps hold more than hope ever could.
Mary Astor also stands out as Mrs Edna Corliss – quiet moments between her character and Wagner’s prove some of their most unnerving in tone with their chilly interactions punctuated only by perfectly-mannered spoken barbs before ending with unsettling silences. This subtlety highlights just how much both performers excel in keeping you hooked onto these ugly manipulations of family dynamics.
Another standout performance is Joanne Woodward who plays Dorothy Kingship, the younger sister of the deceased Ellen; her character arc evolves gradually throughout the film while managing to maintain a sense of vulnerability and innocence despite being in constant peril. Her portrayal deftly smoothes over cracks such as Bud’s jarring behaviour later on by showing just how easy it can be to overlook red flags when we’re young, too trusting or blinded by love.
Finally, George Macready portrays Gordon Grant -the foundation which provides an interesting complement to Wagner’s relatively opaque lead– in such an effortless way that he quickly becomes captivating every time he’s on screen. His suave demeanour disguises a Machiavellian heart and his subtle manipulations behind-the-scenes demonstrate just how crucial casting can be: It would’ve been impossible for him not to stand out amongst this talented ensemble!
In conclusion, ‘A Kiss Before Dying’ boasts some truly sensational performances from its main cast members – they are all exceptional actors in their own right but together make something really special. This classic thriller brings Levis’ novel gripping alive adapting elements so seamlessly from page-to-screen & demonstrating why these powerhouse performers have stood the test of time- still leaving us with chills today!
Table with useful data:
| Actor Name | Character Name |
|---|---|
| Robert Wagner | Bud Corliss |
| Joanne Woodward | Dorothy Kingship |
| Virginia Leith | Ellen Kingship |
| Jeffrey Hunter | Gordon Grant |
| Mary Astor | Mrs. Corliss |
| George Macready | Leo Kingship |
| Bill Walker | Carl Evello |
Information from an expert: The cast of “A Kiss Before Dying” (1956) is truly one for the ages. Robert Wagner delivers a chilling performance as the psychopathic killer, and Joanne Woodward shines as his unsuspecting girlfriend. It’s also worth noting that this film marked the debut of two future Hollywood icons, Mary Astor and George Macready. With such a talented ensemble, it’s no wonder “A Kiss Before Dying” remains a classic thriller to this day.
Historical fact:
The cast of the 1956 film “A Kiss Before Dying” included Robert Wagner, Joanne Woodward, and Jeffrey Hunter.