Escapade in Japan is a 1957 American family adventure film.[1][2] It was directed by Arthur Lubin and starred Teresa Wright, Cameron Mitchell, Jon Provost (who, that same year, began his 7-year tenure as Timmy Martin on the TV show Lassie) and Roger Nakagawa.[3]

Escapade in Japan
Directed byArthur Lubin
Written byWinston Miller
Story byWinston Miller
Produced byArthur Lubin
StarringTeresa Wright
Cameron Mitchell
Jon Provost
CinematographyWilliam Snyder
Edited byOtto Ludwig
Music byMax Steiner
Production
company
Distributed byRKO Radio Pictures
Release date
  • October 17, 1957 (1957-10-17)
Running time
93 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

It also featured an early (and uncredited) appearance of Clint Eastwood as a pilot.[4]

Plot

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After his plane goes down, an American boy is rescued from the sea by a Japanese fisherman and his family. When police arrive in the village, the fisherman's son fears that they have done something wrong. He and the American boy go on the run. They meet interesting people and have many adventures, travelling across the country and eluding the police, who are searching for the American boy.

Cast

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Production

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The film was announced in May 1956 by RKO, who were expanding their operations.[6] In June, RKO president William Dozier assigned the project to Arthur Lubin to produce and direct. Lubin had just signed a contract with the studio following The First Travelling Saleslady. He left for Tokyo and filming began 1 October.[7]

Roger Nagawara was discovered in the American School in Japan.[8] Jonn Provost was cast as the American boy.

RKO executive Arthur Siteman died of a heart attack while making the film in Japan.[9]

Reception

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The Los Angeles Times described it as "a delightful tour through Japan."[10] The New York Times said it was "simple but delightful."[11]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Variety film review; September 11, 1957.
  2. ^ Harrison's Reports film review; September 14, 1957, page 147.
  3. ^ Vagg, Stephen (14 September 2019). "The Cinema of Arthur Lubin". Diabolique Magazine.
  4. ^ ESCAPADE IN JAPAN Monthly Film Bulletin; London Vol. 25, Iss. 288, (Jan 1, 1958): 21.
  5. ^ "Mila del Sol in TV series". The Manila Times. The Manila Times Publishing Company, Inc. November 20, 1959. While in the United States, Mila did several acting tints [sic] for television and the movies. She appeared in RKO's 'Escapade in Japan,' a full-length movie...
  6. ^ Looking at Hollywood: Jockey Pearson Is Melville Pal in Whaling Movie Hopper, Hedda. Chicago Daily Tribune7 May 1956: d8.
  7. ^ Drama: Third Cagney Subject Developed by Writer; Stevens Slates 'Feud' Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 22 June 1956: 23.
  8. ^ Angeli, Newman May Be Reteamed; Japanese Boy Gets Stellar Role Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 13 Aug 1956: B9
  9. ^ Obituary 2 -- No Title New York Times (4 Oct 1956: 33.
  10. ^ 'Escapade in Japan' Interests Pictorially G M W. Los Angeles Times 12 Dec 1957: B18.
  11. ^ Boys Run Away With 'Escapade in Japan' New York Times 24 Dec 1957: 11.
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