Short Cut to Hell (1957)
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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
- Directed By
- James Cagney
- Genres
- Drama, Classics
Critic Reviews
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Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
The only film directed by James Cagney.
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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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Cast
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Robert Ivers
as Kyle
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Georgann Johnson
as Glory Hamilton
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William Bishop
as Stan
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Jacques Aubuchon
as Bahrwell
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Peter Baldwin
as Adams
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Yvette Vickers
as Daisy
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Murvyn Vye
as Nichols
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Milton Frome
as Los Angeles Police Captain
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Roscoe Ates
as Ext. Road Driver
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Joe Bassett
as Patrolman
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Jacqueline Beer
as Waitress
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Douglas Evans
as Mr. Henry
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Joe Forte
as Ticket Seller
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Richard Hale
as A.T.
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John Halloran
as Guard
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Gail Land
as Girl
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Hugh Lawrence
as Patrolman
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Danny Lewis
as Piano Player
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Dennis McMullen
as Los Angeles Policeman
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William Newell
as Hotel Manager
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William Pullen
as Used-Car-Lot Manager
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Michael Ross
as Inspector Ross
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Sarah Selby
as Adam's Secretary
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Douglas Spencer
as Conductor
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Russell Trent
as Trainman