Impact (1949): Cast & Plot
Impact is a 1949 mystery thriller directed by Arthur Lubin, starring Brian Donlevy as Walter Williams, Helen Walker and Tony Barrett. It runs 1 hour 51 minutes.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 51m (111 min)
- Director
- Arthur Lubin
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- Cardinal Pictures
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Impact About?
The premise of Impact without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Wanted By Two Women! One For Love! One For Murder! After surviving a murder attempt, an auto magnate goes into hiding so his wife can pay for the crime.
Impact Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- small town
- concussion
- corporation
- prayer
- female mechanic
- gasoline truck
- flat tire
- asian servant
- pounding a gavel
- unanimous vote
- changing a tire
- photograph on desk
+38 more Show fewer
- monogrammed handkerchief
- monogrammed broche
- lighting a cigarette
- bottle of coca cola
- changing drivers
- crash and burn
- monogrammed shirt sleve
- murder conspiracy
- bekins moving van
- flower delivery
- rose bouquet
- mistaken identity
- throwing away a wedding ring
- boxed laundry
- larkspur idaho
- drinking fountain
- gold star wife
- congratulatory cigar
- five o'clock shadow
- modern candelabra
- picture in a newspaper
- extramarital affair
- lying on the ground
- volunteer fire department
- jar of peaches
- darning socks
- fbi federal bureau of investigation
- false accusation of murder
- based on story
- fake amnesia
- bitter man
- false arrest
- chinese maid
- title co written by female
- police surveillance
- fiery car crash
- self made man
- convertible automobile
Impact Cast & Characters
Brian Donlevy leads the cast as Walter Williams, with Helen Walker as Irene Williams and Tony Barrett as Jim Torrence. Directed by Arthur Lubin; 29 actors are credited in all.
- Director Arthur Lubin
- Brian Donlevy as Walter Williams
- Helen Walker as Irene Williams
- Tony Barrett as Jim Torrence
- Ella Raines as Marsha Peters
Also Starring in Impact
· 25 more- Charles Coburn Lieutenant Quincy
- Harry Cheshire Irene's Attorney
- Anna May Wong Su Lin
- Art Baker Defense Attorney
- Erskine Sanford Dr. Henry Bender
- Dick Gordon Reporter (uncredited)
- Robert Warwick Captain Callahan
- Jason Robards Sr. Judge
- Mae Marsh Mrs. King
- Ben Welden Moving Van Helper
- Stuart Hall Courtroom Spectator (uncredited)
- Philip Ahn Ah Sing
- Clarence Kolb Darcy
- William Ruhl Fingerprint Expert
- Ruth Robinson Apartment Manager
- Joel Friedkin Uncle Ben
Show all 29 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Joe Kirk Hotel Clerk
- Tom Greenway Moving Van Driver
- Glen Vernon Ed
- William Wright Prosecutor
- Hans Herbert Station Master
- Linda Leighton Telephone Operator
- Mary Landa Della
- Sheilah Graham Sheilah Graham
- Lucius Cooke Burke
More from Arthur Lubin
More films directed by Arthur Lubin: Hold On!, The Incredible Mr. Limpet, Escapade in Japan and The First Traveling Saleslady.
Impact Plot Summary
What happens in Impact from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 13 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Walter Williams is a formidable power broker in San Francisco, a man whose wealth and influence let him steer boardrooms and budgets with quiet confidence. His life seems flawless: a devoted wife, Irene Williams, and a controlled, almost pristine world where every detail serves the greater plan.
On a Denver business trip, Williams invites her along to a scenic ride toward Lake Tahoe, turning the journey into a mini-vacation. Irene fabricates a reason to bring along a supposed cousin—their cover for her secret lover, Jim Torrence.
Full summary
The whole story of Impact, scene by scene
Impact Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Impact.
How Well Do You Know Impact?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Who is the powerful San Francisco broker at the center of the story?
Cars in Impact
40 cars on screen, including the 1948 Packard Super Eight and the 1946 Plymouth De Luxe.
-
1948 Packard Super Eight Important role -
1946 Plymouth De Luxe Important role -
White 805 Important role -
1946 Chevrolet Stylemaster Minor role
Seen Impact?
Movies Like Impact
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Impact, Shock and Missing Women.
Impact FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of Impact, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Impact?
Impact runs 1 hour 51 minutes (111 minutes).
When was Impact released?
Impact was released on March 20, 1949.
Who directed Impact?
Impact was directed by Arthur Lubin.
More films by Arthur Lubin Who is in the cast of Impact?
Impact stars Brian Donlevy as Walter Williams, Helen Walker as Irene Williams and Tony Barrett as Jim Torrence, among 29 credited actors.
Does Impact have a post-credit scene?
No. Impact has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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