Short Cut to Hell (1957)

40% want to see it
(5 ratings)

As a favor to an old friend, producer Alex Gordon, James Cagney turned director for the first and only time in his career with Short Cut to Hell. The film is a remake of the 1942 Veronica Lake-Alan Ladd starrer This Gun For Hire. Robert Ivers plays Kyle, a hired killer who is double-crossed by his… More As a favor to an old friend, producer Alex Gordon, James Cagney turned director for the first and only time in his career with Short Cut to Hell. The film is a remake of the 1942 Veronica Lake-Alan Ladd starrer This Gun For Hire. Robert Ivers plays Kyle, a hired killer who is double-crossed by his employer Bahrwell (Jacques Aubuchon). Seeking revenge, Kyle is reluctantly teamed with Glory Hamilton (Georgann Johnson), who has been targeted for elimination by Bahrwell and his henchman Nichols (Murvyn Vye). Unfortunately, Glory is the girlfriend of detective Stan (William Bishop), forcing Kyle to go on the lam before he can settle accounts with the film's principal villain. Kyle is finally able to get even with Bahrwell, and in the process reveals his long-dormant "good" side. Though the film itself is nothing special, Cagney's direction is sharp and efficient; it's too bad that Short Cut to Hell was his only effort behind the cameras. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 27 min.
Directed By: James Cagney
Genres: Drama, Classics

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
The only film directed by James Cagney.
Pablo Villaca, Cinema em Cena
Ivers e Johnson, estreando como protagonistas, não fazem feio. Infelizmente, a direção de Cagney (sua única tentativa) e o roteiro pouco inspirado condenaram o projeto.

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Featured Audience Ratings

jay n

Unnecessary remake of This Gun for Hire is just another standard crime drama. The leads are adequate but certainly don't have the star charisma of Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake.

Cast

            Robert Ivers as Kyle

            Georgann Johnson as Glory Hamilton

            William Bishop as Stan

            Jacques Aubuchon as Bahrwell

            Peter Baldwin as Adams

            Yvette Vickers as Daisy

            Murvyn Vye as Nichols

            Milton Frome as Los Angeles Police Captain

            Roscoe Ates as Ext. Road Driver

            Joe Bassett as Patrolman

            Jacqueline Beer as Waitress

            Douglas Evans as Mr. Henry

            Joe Forte as Ticket Seller

            Richard Hale as A.T.

            John Halloran as Guard

            Gail Land as Girl

            Hugh Lawrence as Patrolman

            Danny Lewis as Piano Player

            Dennis McMullen as Los Angeles Policeman

            William Newell as Hotel Manager

            William Pullen as Used-Car-Lot Manager

            Michael Ross as Inspector Ross

            Sarah Selby as Adam's Secretary

            Douglas Spencer as Conductor

            Russell Trent as Trainman
See full cast