The Blue Dahlia

The Blue Dahlia Theatrical Poster Country United States Directed by George Marshall Release Date 1946 Language English Studio Paramount Pictures Distributor Paramount Pictures Main Cast Character Actor Johnny Morrison Alan Ladd Joyce Harwood Veronica Lake Buzz Wanchek William Bendix Eddie Harwood Howard Da Silva Helen Morrison Doris Dowling George Copeland Hugh Beaumont Captain Hendrickson Tom Powers "Dad" Newell Will Wright

The Blue Dahlia is a 1946 film noir about a naval officer returning home from World War II who, with the help of a sympathetic stranger, tries to clear himself after the murder of his unfaithful wife. The film was the first original screenplay by crime novelist Raymond Chandler and also marked the third and final pairing of Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake.

The following guns were used in the movie The Blue Dahlia:

Colt M1911

Johnny Morrison (Alan Ladd) owns a Colt M1911 pistol, ostensibly the service pistol that he carried as a U.S. Navy officer. He leaves it on a chair in his wife's bungalow. Eddie Harwood later refers to the pistol as "a .45."

Original Colt M1911 (dated 1913) - .45 ACP

Johnny approaches his wife with his M1911 in hand.

As Johnny's pistol bounces on the seat cushion, the flat mainspring housing and longer trigger indicate that he carries an original M1911 and not a newer M1911A1.

Johnny's M1911 on the floor of his wife's bungalow.

Smith & Wesson Model 10

House detective "Dad" Newell (Will Wright) carries a Smith & Wesson Military & Police, as does the police officer who confronts two thugs in Corelli's motel.

Smith & Wesson Model M&P Revolver with 4" barrel - .38 Special

The police officer draws his Smith & Wesson in the motel hallway.

"Dad" draws his Smith & Wesson revolver.

"Dad" accidentally fires his Smith & Wesson when someone opens the door behind him.

Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless

Leo (Don Costello) draws a Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless, which is taken by Johnny (Alan Ladd). Johnny later tosses it to Buzz Wanchek (William Bendix), who uses it for a brief match-lighting stunt, and it is also briefly handled by George Copeland (Hugh Beaumont).

Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless - .32 ACP

Leo draws his Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless.

Johnny disarms Leo of his Colt pistol.

Buzz aims the .32-caliber Colt.

Colt Detective Special

LAPD homicide captain Hendrickson (Tom Powers) carries a first generation Colt Detective Special.

Colt Detective Special 1st Gen (with Round Butt) - .38 Special

Captain Hendrickson checks his Detective Special after firing four shots in the finale.