The Naked Dawn
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Edgar G. Ulmer
Written by	Julian Zimet
Produced by	Josef Shaftel
Starring	Arthur Kennedy Betta St. John
Cinematography	Frederick Gately
Edited by	Dan Milner
Music by	Herschel Burke Gilbert
Production company	Universal Pictures
Distributed by	Universal Pictures
Release dates	November 2, 1955 (1955-11-02) (Los Angeles) December 27, 1955 (1955-12-27) (United States)
Running time	82 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English

The Naked Dawn is a 1955 American Technicolor Western film directed by Edgar G. Ulmer starring Arthur Kennedy and Betta St. John.

Plot

The story focuses on a poor but proud farmer named Manuel and his wife Maria. When glib-tongued drifter Santiago tries to get Manuel mixed up in a robbery, the farmer is at first resistant, but is goaded into joining Santiago. Corrupted by the prospect of untold wealth, Manuel begins plotting the murder of Santiago; meanwhile, Maria makes plans to run off with the handsome stranger.

Cast

• Arthur Kennedy as Santiago
• Betta St. John as Maria Lopez
• Eugene Iglesias as Manuel Lopez
• Charlita as Tita
• Roy Engel as Guntz
• Tony Martinez as Vicente
• Francis McDonald as Railroad guard

Additional information

• Shot in ten days.
• François Truffaut cited this film as an inspiration for the characters in Jules and Jim.^[1]