The Mark (1961 film)

Plot

Jim Fuller is released from prison after serving time for intent to commit child molestation. He attempts to return to society while dealing with his psychological demons with the help of a psychiatrist, Dr. McNally.

After finding employment, Jim begins a romantic relationship with the company's secretary, Ruth Leighton, and appears to be on the way to a better life. But when a child is reported as a possible abuse victim, Jim is picked up for questioning by the police. He has an alibi and is cleared, but a reporter exposes Jim's previous conviction and his presence in the company and community is no longer wanted.

Cast

Production

The Mark was filmed in black and white and Cinemascope.

Each of the three main characters were played by actors not originally slated for the roles. Stuart Whitman was a last-minute replacement for Richard Burton; Maria Schell took over for Jean Simmons who was supposed to have played Ruth; and the role of the prison psychiatrist was intended for Trevor Howard before Rod Steiger was cast.

According to an interview given by Steiger many years later, he had visited an analyst himself in the 1950s and observed how he conducted himself. He played McNally as an Irishman to avoid stereotyping and added touches to impart more humanity to the character. Steiger claimed that the portrayal was so well received by psychiatric professionals that he was invited to speak at a convention by a psychiatric society.

Reception

The Mark premiered in London in January 1961 and opened in New York in October.

Its subject matter made it controversial and it was criticised for making the pedophilic protagonist too sympathetic. It also received favorable reviews for its treatment of a difficult subject, and praise for the acting, writing and directing.