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 starring Alan Ladd as Johnny Morrison, a US Navy 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 Helen (Doris Dowling). The Blue Dahlia was based on the first original screenplay written by noted crime novelist Raymond Chandler and also marked the third and final pairing of Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake.

The following weapons were used in the film 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).