The read
Critics rate it 20 points higher than audiences do. It runs a compact 1h 21m.
Synopsis
Sadistic killer-for-hire Philip Raven becomes enraged when his latest job is paid off in marked bills. Vowing to track down his double-crossing boss, nightclub executive Gates, Raven sits beside Gates' lovely new employee, Ellen, on a train out of town. Although Ellen is engaged to marry the police lieutenant who's hunting down Raven, she decides to try and set the misguided hit man straight as he hides from the cops and plots his revenge.
Ratings
IMDb7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes94%
Critics rate it 20 points higher than audiences do.
197 audience votes
Key crew
- Frank TuttleDirector
- Albert MaltzScreenplay
- W.R. BurnettScreenplay
- David ButtolphOriginal Music Composer
Cast
- Alan LaddPhilip Raven
- Veronica LakeEllen Graham
- Robert PrestonDet. Michael Crane
- Laird CregarWillard Gates
- Tully MarshallAlvin Brewster
- Marc LawrenceTommy
- Olin HowlandBlair Fletcher
- Roger ImhofSenator Burnett
- Pamela BlakeAnnie
- Frank FergusonAlbert Baker
- Victor KilianDrew
- Patricia FarrRuby
Stills
Themes
policehitmanpropagandacatparanoiafemme fatalefilm noirconspiracyblack and whitetrainhired killerpolice shootout