14 Hours (1951)

100% of critics liked it
(5 reviews)
71% of users liked it
(410 ratings)

Henry Hathaway directed this high-tension drama about a man teetering on the verge of self-destruction and how his dilemma affects those around him. Robert Cosick (Richard Basehart) is a desperate and despondent young man who has never gotten along with his parents (Robert Keith and Agnes Moorehead)… More Henry Hathaway directed this high-tension drama about a man teetering on the verge of self-destruction and how his dilemma affects those around him. Robert Cosick (Richard Basehart) is a desperate and despondent young man who has never gotten along with his parents (Robert Keith and Agnes Moorehead) and believes his girlfriend Virginia (Barbara Bel Geddes) no longer loves him. Cosick creeps onto the ledge of a skyscraper in downtown New York and threatens to jump; for the next 14 hours, Dunnigan (Paul Douglas), a policeman who was passing by, tries to talk him down, searching for a way to convince him that life is worth living. A crowd forms on the street below as Dunnigan talks with Cosick; Danny (Jeffrey Hunter) and Ruth (Debra Paget) meet as they watch the grim spectacle and discover how much they have in common. Meanwhile, in a building across the street, a young woman about to sign her divorce papers (Grace Kelly) finds herself wondering if she should give up on her marriage so hastily as she watches Cosick debate about throwing away his life. Fourteen Hours marked Grace Kelly's screen debut; Ossie Davis and Brian Keith also appear in small roles. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 32 min.
Directed By: Henry Hathaway
Genres: Drama, Mystery & Suspense, Classics

In Theaters: Mar 6, 1951 Wide
On DVD: Aug 29, 2006

Critic Reviews

Bosley Crowther, New York Times
A remarkably compact motion picture... those who have no memory of that or any similar case will find gripping suspense, absorbing drama and stinging social comment in this film.
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
Simple yet strangely compelling...
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
It follows along the lines of Ace in the Hole by building most of the tension from the reaction shots of the bystanders.
Michael W. Phillips, Jr., Goatdog's Movies
The film's finest moments come at the very beginning.
Pablo Villaca, Cinema em Cena
Estréia de Grace Kelly no cinema, Horas Intermináveis é irregular, mas interessante.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

Bruce B

A really great film noir selection. About a man who climbs out on the ledge of a hotel 13 stories up in NYC threaten to jump, but a traffic cop becomes his friend and attempts to talk him out of it. Grace Kelly makes a short appearance here and there. Paul Douglas show outstanding… More
A really great film noir selection. About a man who climbs out on the ledge of a hotel 13 stories up in NYC threaten to jump, but a traffic cop becomes his friend and attempts to talk him out of it. Grace Kelly makes a short appearance here and there. Paul Douglas show outstanding acting qualities and caring that was once found in most people back in the day, not like today where its every man out women for himself. 4 stars
AJ V

A very suspenseful movie about a young man who is trying to commit suicide and the people who are trying to get him to come down from the ledge. All taking place in 14 hours. A good movie with good actors.

Cast

            Richard Basehart as Robert Cosick

            Paul Douglas as Dunnigan

            Barbara Bel Geddes as Virginia

            Debra Paget as Ruth

            Agnes Moorehead as Mrs. Cosick

            Robert Keith as Mr. Cosick

            Grace Kelly as Mrs. Fuller

            Howard Da Silva as Lieutenant Moskar

            Jeffrey Hunter as Danny

            Martin Gabel as Dr. Strauss

            Frank Faylen as Walter

            Jeff Corey as Sgt. Farley

            James Millican as Sgt. Boyle

            Don Randolph as Dr. Benson

            Willard Waterman as Mr. Harris

            Ken Harvey as Police Operator

            George MacQuarrie as Evangelist

            Ann Morrison as Mrs. Dunnigan

            Forbes Murray as Police Commissioner

            George Putnam as Radio Announcer [uncredited]

            Michael Fitzmaurice as TV Announcer

            Russell Hicks as Regan

            George Baxter as Attorney

            David Burns
            
            Jane Darwell
            
            Brad Dexter
            
            Brian Keith as Extra

            Harvey Lembeck as Cab Driver

            Shepard Menken as Reporter

            Silvio Minciotti
            
            Lou Polan as Cab Driver

            Henry Slate
            
            Joyce Van Patten as Barbara

            Ossie Davis
            
See full cast