The Tall Target 1951
"You'll never see the target till the very end!"
Step aboard a gripping 1951 thriller that blends history and suspense as a sharp-witted detective races against time to foil a deadly plot.
Director: Anthony Mann
Cast
Dick Powell
John Kennedy
Paula Raymond
Ginny Beaufort
Adolphe Menjou
Caleb Jeffers
Marshall Thompson
Lance Beaufort
Ruby Dee
Rachel
Richard Rober
Lt. Coulter
Leif Erickson
Stranger
Will Geer
Homer Crowley
Florence Bates
Mrs. Charlotte Alsop
Erville Alderson
Minister (uncredited)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Tall Target (1951) about?
In 1861, a detective learns of a plot to kill President-elect Abraham Lincoln during his train journey to Washington. Determined to stop the assassination, he navigates a web of suspects and hidden motives aboard a crowded railcar, where danger lurks in plain sight.
Who directed The Tall Target?
Anthony Mann, known for his gripping noir and Western films, crafted the tense direction of *The Tall Target*, blending historical drama with suspenseful storytelling.
Who stars in The Tall Target?
The film features Dick Powell as the detective, supported by Adolphe Menjou, Ruby Dee, Paula Raymond, and Marshall Thompson in pivotal roles.
Is The Tall Target (1951) worth watching?
With its tight runtime and Anthony Mann's stylish direction, *The Tall Target* delivers a compelling mix of history and thriller. While not as widely recognized today, its historical premise and suspenseful pacing make it a hidden gem for fans of classic mysteries.
How long is The Tall Target?
The Tall Target runs for 78 minutes, offering a brisk, immersive experience perfect for a single viewing.
About The Tall Target (1951) — A Detective's Race to Stop Lincoln's Assassination on Rails
Step aboard a gripping 1951 thriller that blends history and suspense as a sharp-witted detective races against time to foil a deadly plot. Set against the tension of 1861 America, *The Tall Target* follows a determined investigator who uncovers a chilling conspiracy to assassinate President-elect Abraham Lincoln during a cross-country train journey to Washington. Directed by the masterful Anthony Mann, this noir-infused mystery transforms a classic historical moment into a pulse-pounding cat-and-mouse game. With shadowy corridors of power, betrayals lurking in every compartment, and a ticking clock that never stops, the film weaves political intrigue with the personal stakes of one man's fight to save a nation's future. The atmosphere crackles with unease, where trust is a luxury and every passenger might be a threat.
Dick Powell leads the charge as the resourceful detective, backed by a stellar cast including Adolphe Menjou's cunning observer and Ruby Dee's poignant presence as a voice of reason in a world spinning out of control. This isn't just a tale of history repeating itself—it's a taut, atmospheric thriller where the past feels vividly alive, and the threat of violence lurks just beneath the surface of every polite conversation. Mann's direction sharpens the tension, making *The Tall Target (1951)* a standout in the thriller genre, where every clue counts and the stakes couldn't be higher.
