Something Wild (1961 film)

Something Wild
Promotional poster
Directed byJack Garfein
Written by
  • Jack Garfein
  • Alex Karmel
Based onMary Ann
by Alex Karmel
Produced byGeorge Justin
Starring
CinematographyEugen Schüfftan
Edited byCarl Lerner
Music byAaron Copland
Production
company
Prometheus Enterprises Inc.
Distributed byUnited Artists
Release date
  • December 20, 1961 (1961-12-20)
Running time
112 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget<$1 million

Something Wild is a 1961 American neo noir psychological thriller film directed by Jack Garfein, and starring his then-wife Carroll Baker, Ralph Meeker, and Mildred Dunnock. It follows a young New York City college student who, after being brutally raped, is taken in and held captive by a mechanic who witnessed her suicide attempt on the Manhattan Bridge. The film is based on the 1958 novel Mary Ann by Alex Karmel, who co-wrote the screenplay with Garfein.

Released in December 1961, Something Wild violated a number of Hollywood conventions and taboos by showing an on-screen rape and brief nudity, and received a mixed response from film critics.