Question 1

What innovative filming technique did director Richard Fleischer use to avoid removing walls from sets?

Accepted Answer

He made extensive use of a handheld camera that could be brought into rooms, one of the first films to do so. To simulate train rocking, the camera was moved while train sets were fixed.

Question 2

Why was 'The Narrow Margin' delayed from its 1950 filming to a 1952 release?

Accepted Answer

RKO Pictures owner Howard Hughes ordered a copy for his private projection room, then apparently forgot about it for over a year, delaying release until 1952.

Question 3

How was the train journey realistically simulated despite minimal actual train filming?

Accepted Answer

Train sets were rigidly fixed to the floor, and the camera was moved to simulate the train rocking. Only a few seconds were filmed on an actual train at Los Angeles' Union Station.

Question 4

What makes the soundtrack of 'The Narrow Margin' unusual for its time?

Accepted Answer

The soundtrack is diegetic: its only music comes from brief moments from a radio and phonograph within the film's world.

Question 5

Which major festivals and awards recognized 'The Narrow Margin'?

Accepted Answer

It was recognized at the Golden Globes and Academy Awards in 1953, and was featured at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in 2013.

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The Narrow Margin

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