Not Wanted (1949)

Not Wanted is a 1949 American drama film directed by Elmer Clifton and an un-credited Ida Lupino and starring Sally Forrest, Keefe Brasselle and Leo Penn.

A few days after shooting started, Clifton suffered a heart attack. Lupino stepped in to direct the film (which she co-wrote and co-produced) without taking credit (this was the last film that Clifton worked on but not his final overall effort, as two films of his would be released after his death on October 15, 1949). The film’s sets were designed by the art director Charles D. Hall. Shooting took place at the Universal Studios.

Directors – Elmer Clifton, Ida Lupino (uncredited)

Writers – Paul Jarrico (screenplay by), Ida Lupino (screenplay by), Malvin Wald (original story by)

Cast –
Sally Forrest as Sally Kelton
Keefe Brasselle as Drew Baxter
Leo Penn as Steve Ryan
Dorothy Adams as Mrs. Aggie Kelton
Wheaton Chambers as Mr. Kelton
Rita Lupino as Joan
Audrey Farr as Nancy
Carole Donne as Jane
Ruth Clifford as Mrs. Elizabeth Stone
Ruthelma Stevens as Miss James
Virginia Mullen as Mrs. Banning, Infant’s mother
Marie Harmon as Irene
Roger Anderson as Bill Aikens
Gregg Barton as Patrolman
Charles Seel as Dr. Williams
Lawrence Dobkin as Assistant District Attorney
Patrick Whyte as Reverend Culbertson

Watch “Not Wanted” (1949)

Plot

A young woman is attracted to a travelling musician while feeling stifled at how her parents treat her. She abandons her home town to follow him but he has decided to move on to chase his dream career. After he has left, she finds out that she is pregnant and faces a decision over what to do about her impending baby. She gives the child away after giving birth but finds herself feeling guilty to the point where she nearly snatches a child from a stroller. In the meantime, her employer at the gas station has fallen in love with her.