Tom Neal (1914-1972)

biography

Handsome second-feature lead Tom Neal was born into a wealthy family in Evanston, Illinois, on January 28, 1914. The well-educated Neal attended Northwestern University, where he excelled on the boxing team, and graduated from Harvard Law School at the age of 24. Neal never intended to practice law, preferring instead to be an actor. After doing some work in summer stock, he made his Broadway debut in the mid 1930s, right before starting law school. In the late 1930s, Neal went to Hollywood where he was put under contract to MGM. But the studio didn't give him a big build-up, loaning him out instead to smaller studios. After his contract ended in 1942, Neal freelanced with great success, appearing in films frequently with beautiful B movie queen Ann Savage. The war years proved to be the best of Tom Neal's film career.

Neal's career began to sag a bit after the end of World War II, yet he kept getting roles. His film career ended with a scandal surrounding his involvement with actress Barbara Payton. Payton was engaged to actor Franchot Tone but had a roving eye. She began seeing Neal on the sly, about which Tone quickly learned. During a confrontation in September 1951, Tone and Neal brawled over her affections. Tone caught the worst end of the fight and was hospitalized for several days and required plastic surgery. Payton and Tone married a couple of weeks after the altercation, but their marriage ended just a few months later. Afterward, Neal and Payton resumed their relationship, but this union ended quickly.

By the mid 1950s, Neal's acting career was finished, so he moved to Palm Springs and started a successful landscaping business. Neal remarried in 1956 and welcomed the birth of his only child, a son, in 1957. Sadly, Neal's wife passed away the following year from cancer. After his second wife's death, he attempted to resume his acting career but was only able to land a small film role and a little television work.

the films of tom neal

Within the Law (1939)

Jungle Girl (1941)

Under Age (1941)

Behind the Rising Sun (1943)

Klondike Kate (1943)

There's Something About a Soldier (1943)

Detour (1945)

First Yank Into Tokyo (1945)

Blonde Alibi (1946)

Navy Bound (1951)

Danger Zone (1951)

later years

The Franchot Tone-Barbara Payton scandal was not the last or the worst for Tom Neal. In 1961, he married Gale Bennett, his third wife. On April 1, 1965, Neal shot his wife, killing her instantly. Neal maintained that the killing was an accident, and he was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to one to 15 years. After serving six years of his sentence with good behavior, he was paroled in late 1971 and returned to the Los Angeles area, where he and his teenaged son shared an apartment. Sadly, Tom Neal died suddenly of a heart attack at age 58 on August 7, 1972. His son, Tom Neal Jr., has also dabbled in acting.

tom neal films available from movies unlimited

The Complete Thin Man Collection [DVD] DVD
All six films from the popular MGM series starring William Powell and Myrna Loy as Dashiell Hammett's sophisticated crimesolvers, Nick and Nora Charles, are featured in a seven-disc boxed set. The duo's search for a missing inventor leads to a deadly whodunit in "The Thin Man" (1934), with Maureen O'Sullivan, Nat Pendleton, and Edward Ellis in the title role. Nick and Nora then return to solve a murder among San Francisco's bluebloods in "After the Thin Man" (1936), co-starring Elissa Landi and a young James Stewart. Baby Nick Charles, Jr. makes his debut in "Another Thin Man" (1939), as mom and pop aid an old friend who fears for his life. C. Aubrey Smith and Virginia Grey co-star. Then, it's murder among the "horsey set" in "Shadow of the Thin Man" (1941), with Barry Nelson and Donna Reed. And "The Thin Man Goes Home" (1944), only to find crime has followed him there; co-stars Gloria De Haven and Lucile Watson. Finally, New York's jazz joints provide the backdrop for "Song of the Thin Man" (1947), with Keenan Wynn and Gloria Grahame. 10 hrs. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; documentaries; radio broadcasts; TV pilot; interviews; bonus shorts; more.
Another Thin Man [DVD](1939) DVD
In their third outing, the Charleses travel to the Long Island estate of a wealthy munitions mogul who's convinced his ex-business partner is out to kill him. And when his premonition comes eerily true, it's up to Nick and Nora to catch the murderer. Features the first appearance of Nick Charles, Jr. Myrna Loy, William Powell, C. Aubrey Smith star. 102 min. Standard; Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital mono, French Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, French, Spanish; bonus shorts "Love on Tap" (1939), "The Bookworm" (1939); theatrical trailer.
The Courageous Dr. Christian [DVD](1940) DVD
Thrilling second installment in the "Dr. Christian" film series has the healer frantically working to fight a strain of spinal meningitis that threatens the residents of a poor community he has been trying to improve conditions in. As the epidemic rages out of control, the pipe-smoking, affable doc tries to stop the plague while fighting off the advances of an amorous old woman. Jean Hersholt, Tom Neal, Dorothy Lovett star. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Jungle Girl [DVD](1941) DVD
Frances Gifford stars in the title role as Nyoka, a young woman living in the African jungle with her physician father. When the doctor's evil twin murders him and assumes his identity in order to search for a fortune in diamonds hidden nearby, Nyoka and two pilots must escape the plans of the sinister sibling and his henchmen. With Tom Neal, Trevor Bardette. 15 episodes; 267 min. on two discs. Standard; Soundtrack: English mono; scene access; photo gallery; biographies; interview.
The Miracle Kid [DVD](1941) DVD
A young man decides he prefers the boxing ring over his wedding ring when he leaves his wife to make a name for himself as a fighter. Will he go back with her after he learns of the rigors of the palooka world? Tom Neal ("Detour") stars with Carol Hughes; directed by William "One Shot" Beaudine. 67 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Poverty Row Studio Collections: PRC, Vol. 2 [DVD] DVD
First, a young man leaves his wife to make a name for himself as a fighter. Will "The Miracle Kid" (1941) go back after he learns of the rigors of the palooka world? Tom Neal ("Detour") stars with Carol Hughes; directed by William "One Shot" Beaudine. Next, Mary Beth Hughes is an ambitious girl with no "Men on Her Mind" (1944), vigorously pursuing a career as a radio and nightclub singer and ignoring all suitors' advances until she meets Edward Norris. Ted North, Alan Edwards also star. Includes the song "Heaven on Earth." Two-disc set also includes "The Payoff" and "The Contender" (1944).
Horace Takes Over [DVD](1942) DVD
Army recruit John Beal marries sweetheart Wanda McKay and goes to New York for a honeymoon before he's shipped out, but the couple's stay in a hotel is interrupted by gangsters looking for hidden loot in this comedy directed by William "One-Shot" Beaudine. With Barbara Pepper, Tom Neal. AKA: "One Thrilling Night." 69 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. NOTE: This Title is Out Of Print; Limit One Per Customer.
Flying Tigers [DVD](1942) DVD
The heroic true exploits of the "Flying Tigers"--the American Volunteer Group of pilots who flew against Japanese forces for China in the days before Pearl Harbor--inspired this patriotic drama that was star John Wayne's first entry in the war genre. The exciting dogfight scenes are a highlight; with Paul Kelly, John Carroll, Anna Lee. 100 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby mono; Subtitles: English; scene access; interactive menus.
Bowery At Midnight [DVD](1942) DVD
Creepy mystery starring Bela Lugosi as a psychology professor who uses a mission as a front for his criminal deeds. When people become aware of his activities, Lugosi has them killed and buried in a basement, then revives them with a special drug. John Archer and Wanda McKay co-star. 60 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English mono; scene access. Plays All Regions.
The Bela Lugosi Box: 15 Frightful Films [DVD] DVD
The seductively evil horror king Bela Lugosi appears in 15 chiller classics in this five-disc set. The silent soaper "The Midnight Girl" (1925) features a pre-Dracula Lugosi as the suave and shady patron of a Russian opera singer (Lila Lee) newly come to America. Also includes "White Zombie," "The Death Kiss," "Chandu on the Magic Island," "The Return of Chandu," "The Mysterious Mr. Wong," "The Dark Eyes of London (The Human Monster)," "The Devil Bat," "The Corpse Vanishes," "Bowery at Midnight," "The Ape Man," "Scared to Death" (1947), "Glen or Glenda?," "Bride of the Monster," and "Plan 9 from Outer Space," plus the documentary tribute "100 Years of Horror: Bela Lugosi," hosted by Christopher Lee.
The Pride Of The Yankees [DVD](1942) DVD
Gary Cooper stars as baseball's legendary "Iron Horse," Lou Gehrig, in one of the finest sports movies ever made. Follow Lou's life, from his boyhood on the streets of New York to his all-star career with the Bronx Bombers and his tearful farewell speech at Yankee Stadium, cut down by a mysterious, fatal disease. With Teresa Wright, Walter Brennan, and Babe Ruth as himself. 127 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono, Spanish Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, French, Spanish; theatrical trailer.
Air Force [DVD](1943) DVD
Rousing war classic from director Howard Hawks detailing the plight and flight of a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber as it travels from San Francisco to Pearl Harbor to important battles in the Pacific Theatre. The cast is led by John Garfield, John Ridgely, Gig Young, and Arthur Kennedy; stunning newsreel and aerial fighting footage are featured. 124 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, Portuguese, French; bonus shorts "Women at War" (1943), "The Fifth-Column Mouse" (1943), "Scrap Happy Daffy" (1943); radio broadcast; theatrical trailer. NOTE: This Title Is Out Of Print; Limit One Per Customer.
World War II Collection, Vol. 2: Heroes Fight For Freedom [DVD] DVD
Six-disc set includes "Air Force," "Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo," "Command Decision," "Hell to Eternity," "The Hill" (1965), and "36 Hours."
Crime, Inc. [DVD](1945) DVD
Based on real-life experiences chronicled in former crime reporter Martin Mooney's novel, this noirish PRC thriller centers on a stalwart journalist whose self-imposed mission to bring down a group of racketeers is compromised when he begins falling for one of the crooks' sisters. Tom Neal, Lionel Atwill, Leo Carrillo, Martha Tilton star. AKA: "Crime Incorporated." 73 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Detour [DVD](1945) DVD
Made on pennies by Edgar G. Ulmer, this seedy story focuses on a New York night club pianist hitchhiking to L.A. who is picked up by an amiable gambler. When his rider dies of a heart attack, the pianist takes his wallet and dumps the body. But when he picks up a woman on the road, he finds himself in trouble because of her suspicions and reckless nature. Tom Neal and Ann Savage star. 67 min Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Classic Film Noir Gift Set (10-DVD Set) [DVD] DVD
Packaged in a hardbound, cloth-covered case, this 10-disc set includes "Detour" (1945), "Strange Illusion," "Inner Sanctum" (1948), "The Scar" (1948), "Impact" (1949), "Too Late for Tears," "D.O.A." (1950), "Quicksand" (1950), "Kansas City Confidential," and "The Hitch-Hiker."
The Brute Man [DVD](1946) DVD
Rondo Hatton, the real-life victim of acromegaly who became a B-movie staple at Universal as "the Creeper," had his only starring role in this semi-autobiographical shocker. A handsome young man is disfigured in a lab experiment and seeks vengeance on his former friends. His only friend is a blind girl pianist. 59 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono.
The Hat Box Mystery (1947)/Hollywood Mystery(1934) DVD
It's a double feature of thrillers! First, a detective's life is complicated after his secretary is set up for murdering a socialite in "The Hat Box Mystery." Can the gumshoe clear her name and find the real killer? Tom Neal, Pamela Blake, Allen Jenkins star. Then, "Hollywood Mystery" follows a drunken Tinseltown publicity agent as he tries to stage a comeback by hiring a thuggish small-time actor to star in a film about a real-life mobster--unaware that he's actually cast the crook to play himself. Offbeat comedy-drama stars Frank Albertson, June Clyde, Jose Crespo. AKA: "Hollywood Hoodlum," "What Price Fame?" 97 min. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
The Great Jesse James Raid And Other Legendary Outlaws [DVD] DVD
Three-disc boxed set includes "Legendary Outlaws Double Feature, Vol. 1: The Great Jesse James Raid/Renegade Girl," "Legendary Outlaws Double Feature, Vol. 2: The Return of Jesse James/Gunfire," and "Legendary Outlaws Double Feature, Vol. 3: The Dalton Gang/I Shot Billy the Kid."
King Of The Bullwhip [DVD](1950) DVD
From the dramatic whip fight that opens this Lash La Rue oater, you know you're in for a treat. Watch as Lash goes undercover to catch a bank robber who uses his bullwhip technique. Also stars Jack Holt, "Fuzzy" St. John. 60 min.
Forgotten Noir: Collector's Set Series Four [DVD] DVD
A law school grad's (Dennis O'Keefe) gaffe working at the office of "Mr. District Attorney" (1941) nets him a dangerous new case. Peter Lorre co-stars. On "Highway 13" (1948), a lovestruck trucker (Robert Lowery) gets mixed up in murder. With Pamela Blake. An FBI agent tries to track down a spy possessing secret government documents aboard a "Sky Liner" (1949). Richard Travis, Blake star. A descendant of the Count of Monte Cristo goes against a crooked lawyer to obtain the "Treasure of Monte Cristo" (1949). Glenn Langan, Adele Jurgens star. When "Counterspy Meets Scotland Yard" (1950), secret missile plans are the prize. With Howard St. John, Amanda Blake. L.A. cops on the "Motor Patrol" (1950) chase down the culprit of a hit-and-run. Don Castle, Jane Nigh star. The "Radar Secret Service" (1950) makes use of high technology to foil bad guys in the atomic age. John Howard, Jergens star. When a mad killer goes on the hunt, a "Western Pacific Agent" (1950) must take him down. Kent Taylor, Lowery star. In the "Roaring City" (1951), a shamus takes a treacherous bet on boxing. Hugh Beaumont, Joan Valerie star. 9 2/3 hrs. total on three discs. Standard; Soundtrack: English.
Gasoline Alley And Friends [DVD] DVD
First, Frank King's popular newspaper comic strip "Gasoline Alley" (1951) comes to life on the screen, chronicling the misadventures of service station boss Walt Wallet (Don Beddoe) and his adopted son, Skeezix (James Lydon). Scotty Beckett, Susan Morrow co-star. Next, "Corky of Gasoline Alley" (1951) finds Corky (Beckett) in the midst of a household crisis when his wife's cousin comes to visit. Beddoe, Gordon Jones co-star. "As You Were" (1951), the better to enjoy this comedy about a hotel clerk who reconsiders going back into the armed forces. William Tracy, Russell Hicks star. "Leave It to the Marines" (1951) to help a nebbish (Sid Melton) find his way to the altar! With Mara Lynn, Gregg Martel. Then, "Stop That Cab" (1951), or harried cabbie Sid (Melton) might get another earful from his wife (Iris Adrian). Marjorie Lord, Tom Neal co-star. Finally, the service comedy "Mr. Walkie Talkie" (1952) stars William Tracy as a sergeant with a photographic memory. Margia Dean, Alan Hale, Jr. co-star. 6 2/3 hrs. total on two discs. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo.
Forgotten Noir: Collector's Set Series Two [DVD] DVD
Three-disc set includes "Tough Assignment," "Fingerprints Don't Lie" (1951, with Tom Neal), "F.B.I. Girl," "Mask of the Dragon," "I'll Get You," and "The Man from Cairo."
The Last Hurrah [DVD](1958) DVD
John Ford directed this dramatic look at political cronyism in a large Eastern city. Spencer Tracy stars as a popular mayor who finds himself at odds with the powerful machine as he runs for re-election. Great supporting cast includes Pat O'Brien, John Carradine, Donald Crisp and Jeffrey Hunter. 121 min. Widescreen (Enhanced) and Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby mono; Subtitles: English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai; production notes; theatrical trailers; scene access.

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filmography

The Last Hurrah (1958) with Spencer Tracy, Jeffrey Hunter, John Carradine, and Basil Rathbone
The Great Jesse James Raid (1953) with Barbara Payton
The Du Pont Story (1952) with Lyle Talbot and Whit Bissel
Danger Zone (1951) with Hugh Beaumont
Stop That Cab (1951) with Marjorie Lord and Sid Melton
The Valparaiso Story (1951) with Marjorie Lord, Margaret Field, and Robert Clarke
Let's Go Navy! (1951) with Leo Gorcey and Huntz Hall
G.I. Jane (1951) with Jimmie Dodd
Navy Bound (1951) with Regis Toomey
Fingerprints Don't Lie (1951) with Lyle Talbot, Sheila Ryan, and Sid Melton
King of the Bullwhip (1951) with Lash La Rue
Radar Secret Service (1950) with Adele Jergens, John Howard, and Ralph Byrd; this film once aired on Mystery Science Theater 3000
Call of the Klondike (1950) with Kirby Grant and Anne Gwynne
Train to Tombstone (1950) with Don "Red" Barry
I Shot Billy the Kid (1950) with Don "Red" Barry
Joe Palooka in Humphrey Takes a Chance (1950) with Leon Errol
Everybody's Dancin' (1950) with Adele Jergens and Lyle Talbot
The Daltons' Women (1950) with Tom Tyler, Lash La Rue, and Lyle Talbot
Amazon Quest (1949) with Carole Mathews
Red Desert (1949) with Don "Red" Barry
Apache Chief (1949) with Alan Curtis
Bruce Gentry (1949) with Judy Clark
Beyond Glory (1948) with Alan Ladd, Donna Reed, Audie Murphy, and Margaret Field
The Case of the Baby-Sitter (1947) with Pamela Blake
The Hat Box Mystery (1947) with Pamela Blake
Blonde Alibi (1946) with Elisha Cook Jr. and Robert Armstrong
My Dog Shep (1946) with Craig Reynolds
The Brute Man (1946) with Rondo Hatton; once aired on Mystery Science Theater 3000
First Yank Into Tokyo (1945) with Barbara Hale
Detour (1945) with Ann Savage and Tim Ryan
Club Havana (1945) with Lita Baron and Margaret Lindsay
Crime, Inc. (1945) with Lionel Atwill, Leo Carillo, and Martha Tilton
Two Man Submarine (1944) with Ann Savage and J. Carrol Naish
The Unwritten Code (1944) with Ann Savage
Thoroughbreds (1944) with Adele Mara and Doodles Weaver
Behind the Rising Sun (1943) with J. Carrol Naish, Gloria Holden, Robert Ryan, and Margo
The Racket Man (1943) with Hugh Beaumont and Larry Parks
Klondike Kate (1943) with Ann Savage
There's Something About a Soldier (1943) with Bruce Bennett, Evelyn Keyes, Hugh Beaumont, Jeff Donnell, and Kane Richmond
Good Luck, Mr. Yates (1943) with Claire Trevor and Edgar Buchanan
She Has What It Takes (1943) with Jinx Falkenburg
China Girl (1942) with George Montgomery, Lynn Bari, and Gene Tierney
Bowery at Midnight (1942) with Bela Lugosi, John Archer, Wanda McKay, and Dave O'Brien
Flying Tigers (1942) with John Wayne, Anna Lee, and Paul Kelly
The Pride of the Yankees (1942) with Gary Cooper
Ten Gentlemen from West Point (1942) with George Montgomery, Maureen O'Hara, Ralph Byrd, and Ward Bond
Horace Takes Over (1942) with Wanda McKay and Barbara Pepper
Jungle Girl (1941) with Frances Gifford and Gerald Mohr
The Miracle Kid (1941) with Carol Hughes
Top Sergeant Mulligan (1941) with Nat Pendleton, Carol Hughes, and Sterling Holloway
Under Age (1941) with Nan Grey
Sky Murder (1940) with Walter Pidgeon, Joyce Compton, and Tom Conway
The Courageous Dr. Christian (1940) with Jean Hersholt
Joe and Ethel Turp Call on the President (1939) with Ann Sothern
Another Thin Man (1939) with William Powell, Myrna Loy, and Nat Pendleton
They All Came Out (1939) with George Tobias
6000 Enemies (1939) with Walter Pidgeon and Nat Pendleton
Within the Law (1939) with Ruth Hussey and Paul Kelly
Honolulu (1939) with Eleanor Powell, Robert Young, George Burns, and Gracie Allen
Four Girls in White (1939) with Ann Rutherford, Kent Taylor, Buddy Ebsen, and Phillip Terry
Burn 'Em Up O'Connor (1939) with Dennis O'Keefe and Nat Pendleton
Out West with the Hardys (1938) with Mickey Rooney and Ann Rutherford

TELEVISION SERIES
A Time to Live, 1954 NBC TV daytime drama. Neal portrayed Paul in this 15-minute show

TELEVISION GUEST APPEARANCES
Mike Hammer, episode According to Luke, originally aired 1959
Tales of Wells Fargo, episode Faster Gun, originally aired October 6, 1958
Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok, episode Vigilante Story, originally aired March 3, 1952
Boston Blackie, episode Gang Murder, originally aired November 12, 1951
Boston Blackie, episode Fortune Teller, originally aired October 15, 1951
Racket Squad, episode Skin Game, originally aired September 27, 1951
The Gene Autry Show, episode The Lost Chance, originally aired October 15, 1950
The Gene Autry Show, episode Six-Shooter Sweepstakes, originally aired October 1, 1950

tom neal film now showing

Watch Tom Neal's 1945 PRC film noir thriller Detour