For Men Only (1952 film)


For Men Only is a 1952 American film noir directed by Paul Henreid about hazing on college campuses. It also stars Henreid.
It was the film debut of Russell Johnson.
It was also known as The Tall Lie.

Cast

Henreid had directed in theatre but this was his first film. He had produced two films before, Hollow Triumph and So Young, So Bad.
Paul Henreid set up the project with Edward Nassour. They established HN Productions -
for Henreid and Nassour. In March 1951 they arranged finance through Robert L. Lippert. Henreid and Lippert were secretive about the subject matter, describing it as "topical and controversial." Henreid admitted he later kept the topic secret so no other produces would beat them to the screens with a similar story.
Filming started 5 September 1951 at the General Service Studio. There had been a week's rehearsal beforehand. Filming took 16 days, and was completed two days ahead of schedule.
Henreid said getting the script and finance and making the film took him a year. He says he originally wanted to call the film Hell Night but the distributors came up with For Men Only.
Henreid wanted to make The Spanish Grandee and Ring around Saturn for Nassour but these were never made.

Reception

Henreid later said the film was "very successful" and credited it with launching his directing career.