Contents

List of Illustrations	ix
Acknowledgments	xi
Introduction	1
The Fuller Biographical Legend 4
Fuller as Storyteller 10
Movement and Conflict 17
Chapter One: The Lippert Years, 1948–1951	24
The Marketplace for Low-Budget Films 25
Early Experiments: I Shot Jesse James and The Baron of Arizona 28
Establishing a Voice: The Steel Helmet 39
Chapter Two: The Fox Years, 1951–1956	52
The Trade-offs of Studio Filmmaking 54
Return to War: Fixed Bayonets 56
Complete Independence: Park Row 62
Brutality: Pickup on South Street 67
Classical Style: Hell and High Water and House of Bamboo 77
Chapter Three: The Globe Years, 1956–1961	93
The Challenges of Independence 94
No Holds Barred: Run of the Arrow, China Gate, Forty Guns, and Verboten! 97
Sensational Style: The Crimson Kimono and Underworld, U.S.A. 121
Chapter Four: The Freelance Years, 1961–1964	141
Return to War: Merrill’s Marauders 142
Adult Exploitation: Shock Corridor and The Naked Kiss 148
Fuller Goes to Vietnam: The Rifle 168
Chapter Five: The Final Battles, 1965–1997	171
Critical Recognition, Professional Frustration 171
Loose Ends: Shark! and Dead Pigeon on Beethoven Street 177
A Personal Journey: The Big Red One 184
Inciting Controversy: White Dog 191
In Exile: Thieves After Dark and Street of No Return 196
Conclusion	203
Notes	207
Filmography	227
Bibliography	233
Index	239