White Lightning (1953) - Turner Classic Movies

Brief Synopsis

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The Red Devils, a professional ice hockey team, owned by Jack Monohan (Steve Brodie), is in the midst of a long losing streak, due to bribes being accepted from gamblers by the star player. When the team is joined by cocky Mike Connors (Stanley Clements), a boyhood friend of Jack's, they begin to regain their former winning ways. Mike becomes a star who cannot be stopped, but is disliked by his teammates becuase of his selfish play. Jack tries to keek Mike away from his sister Margaret (Barbara Bestar), who is in love with him, which leads to a bloody fight between the two men. The angry Mike accepts a bribe from gambler Rocky Gilbratar (Lyle Talbot) to throw the big final game. But during the game, an appeal from a young boy who idolizes him, Davey (Duncan Richardson), sets Mike on the right road, and his unselfish play helps win the game.

Cast & Crew

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Edward Bernds

Stanley Clements

Barbara Bestar

Margaret Monohan

Steve Brodie

Gloria Blondell

Paul Bryar

Film Details

Also Known As

Hit the Ice

Genre

Crime

Sports

Release Date

Mar 8, 1953

Premiere Information

not available

Production Company

Allied Artists Productions, Inc.

Distribution Company

Monogram Pictures Corp.

Country

United States

Technical Specs

Duration

1h 1m

Sound

Mono

Color

Black and White

Film Length

5,508ft

Synopsis

Jack Monohan's professional ice hockey team, the Red Devils, never wins a game, which results in Jack becoming indebted to a gambling ring run by Rocky Gibraltar, Benny Brown and Brutus Allen. The syndicate, which has been bribing Red Devils player Nelson to throw the games, only makes money when the team loses. However, the Red Devils start to win after Jack hires his childhood friend, Mike Connors, to play for the team. Although Mike's teammates dislike him because of his intolerable ego, Jack's younger sister Margaret, who has just graduated from finishing school, falls in love with Mike despite his attempts to convince her that he is not worthy of her affection. When Jack learns about Margaret's romance he beats up Mike, unaware that his friend has behaved honorably. After Nelson's duplicity is revealed and he is fired by Jack, Mike is approached by Gibraltar, Brown and Allen to throw the next game, and he accepts their bribe. However, during the game Mike is persuaded to help the team by a young fan named Davey. As a result, Mike's newfound zeal helps the Red Devils win, thereby earning Jack's trust and Margaret's love.

Director

Edward Bernds

Cast

Stanley Clements

Barbara Bestar

Margaret Monohan

Steve Brodie

Gloria Blondell

Paul Bryar

Lyle Talbot

Rocky Gilbraltar

Frank Jenks

Lee Van Cleef

Myron Healey

Riley Hill

Hec Highton

Duncan Richardson

Tom Hanlon

John Bleifer

Anthony Sydes

Erik Nielsen

Joel Marston

Jim Mcnally

James Caesar

Alex Lindgren

John Polich

Alfred E. Kunkel

John Ubriaco

Ray Chaisson

Cliff Oddson

Bob Blair

Gus Mancuso

Julius Hoffman

Gerlad Page

Al Hoffman

Jack Tuten

Jane Easton

Crew

William Beaudine Jr.

Assistant Director

Charles Cooper

Dan Greenway

Charles R. Marion

David Milton

Edward Morey Jr.

Associate Producer

John Polich

Tech Supervisor

Robert Priestley

Herman Rotsten

Dial Supervisor

Lester A. Sansom

Research Supervisor

Ben Schwalb

Bruce Shoengarth

Marlin Skiles

Ilona Vas

Set Construction

Lester White

Allen K. Wood

Production Manager

Film Details

Also Known As

Hit the Ice

Genre

Crime

Sports

Release Date

Mar 8, 1953

Premiere Information

not available

Production Company

Allied Artists Productions, Inc.

Distribution Company

Monogram Pictures Corp.

Country

United States

Technical Specs

Duration

1h 1m

Sound

Mono

Color

Black and White

Film Length

5,508ft

Quotes

Trivia

Notes

The working title of this film was Hit the Ice. The synopsis is based on reviews and a summary in copyright records.

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