The Fat Man (1951)

Since the beginning of commercial film making, production companies are always looking for new content. Film companies have always used popular books as a source of content and inspiration. Since the 1950s, popular television shows provided film adaptations and inspiration.

In the early days of talking films, popular radio shows led to many film adaptations. Lum and Abner, Jack Benny, Fibber McGhee and Molly, etc. were all brought to film. In 1951, Universal Pictures International brought The Fat Man to film.

The Fat Man (1951) starred J. Scott Smart who also played the Fat Man on radio. The intro from radio stated, “There he goes stepping on the scale. Weight – 237 pounds. Fortune – danger.” Smart probably weighed close to 260 pounds, so he was ideally cast for the role.

In this film, a dental assistant seeks Brad Runyan, the Fat Man’s, assistance. Her employer, a dentist, is found dead. The police believe it was natural causes. His assistant is convinced he was killed because the dental records of an ex-convict are missing.

The trail leads the Fat Man from Baltimore to California. The Fat Man also begins to suspect foul play when he realizes the ex-convict Roy Clark, played by a young Rock Hudson, was part of a criminal gang. Clark is also missing.

“The Fat Man” will be faced with solving a couple more murders before the case is wrapped up in about 77 minutes. The Fat Man was a feature film although the production quality was consistent with a “B” film.

Director William Castle did a couple of things to emphasize the Fat Man’s bulk but also his physical dexterity. When Runyan arrives in California, the Fat Man rents a two-seat sports car that looks to small to carry someone of his weight. Several bystanders laugh at him as he enters the vehicle.

In the second instance, Runyan has just met Clark’s ex-girlfriend Pat. The Fat Man shows surprising physical agility as he dances with Pat. The Fat Man is more than meets the eye.

J. Scott Smart was born on November 27, 1902 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was known by his friends as Jack. Smart played supporting roles in film until he landed the role of the Fat Man on radio. This role led to his first starring appearance in a film.

J. Scott Smart died of pancreatic cancer on January 15, 1960 at 57 years of age. Smart was survived by his wife Mary Leigh-Call who he married in 1951.

You can also hear the Old Time Radio Show on-line. Let me know what you think of this film.

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