title: The Naked Dawn
text: # The Naked Dawn
  
  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.
  