Thriller

Midnight Manhunt (1945)

3/5 (1)

“Midnight Manhunt” is a mystery-thriller film directed by William C. Thomas and released in 1945. The movie follows the story of a manhunt for a killer who is on the loose in a large city.

The film’s protagonist is James A. Brooks (William Gargan), a private detective who is hired to investigate the murder of a famous actor. The police believe that the actor’s assistant, Steve Randall (George Zucco), is the killer and are actively searching for him.

As James investigates the case, he discovers that there may be more to the story than what the police initially believed. He begins to suspect that the killer may be someone else entirely and sets out to uncover the truth.

As the manhunt for Steve Randall intensifies, James races against the clock to solve the case before an innocent man is wrongfully convicted. Along the way, he encounters a cast of suspicious characters, including a shady nightclub owner and a femme fatale.

In the end, James is able to solve the case and catch the real killer, who is revealed to be someone unexpected. The film ends with James triumphant and the city safe once again.

Overall, “Midnight Manhunt” is a classic whodunit-style thriller that keeps the audience guessing until the very end. The film features a strong performance by William Gargan as the determined detective and a cast of memorable characters.

Directors:
William C. Thomas

Writer:
David Lang

Stars:
William Gargan, Ann Savage, Leo Gorcey

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Bulldog Drummond Escapes (1937)

3/5 (1)

“Bulldog Drummond Escapes” is a 1937 American mystery thriller film directed by James P. Hogan and starring Ray Milland as the titular character. The film is based on the popular British detective novel series by H.C. McNeile, featuring the character of Captain Hugh “Bulldog” Drummond, a retired British army officer turned private detective.

In the film, Drummond is hired by a young woman named Phyllis Clavering to investigate the disappearance of her father, a wealthy businessman who has been kidnapped by a criminal gang. Drummond quickly discovers that the kidnapping is part of a larger conspiracy involving corrupt police officers and a crooked lawyer.

As Drummond delves deeper into the case, he is targeted by the criminal gang and must use his wit and physical prowess to stay alive and bring the criminals to justice. Along the way, he enlists the help of his loyal sidekick Algy Longworth (played by Reginald Denny) and a resourceful newspaper reporter named Captain Nielson (played by Porter Hall).

The film features several exciting action sequences, including a thrilling car chase and a tense showdown on a moving train. Ray Milland delivers a charismatic performance as Bulldog Drummond, combining humor and bravery in equal measure. The film was a critical and commercial success, spawning several sequels and cementing Bulldog Drummond as a popular fictional detective in both literature and film.

Directors:
James P. Hogan

Writer:
Edward T. Lowe Jr., Herman C. McNeile, Gerard Fairlie

Stars:
Ray Milland, Guy Standing, Heather Angel

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When Worlds Collide (1951)

4.33/5 (3)

“When Worlds Collide” is a science-fiction movie released in 1951, directed by Rudolph Maté, based on a novel of the same name written by Philip Wylie and Edwin Balmer. The movie follows the story of two planets, Bellus and Zyra, that are on a collision course with Earth. Scientists predict that the collision will result in the destruction of Earth and the extinction of all life on the planet.

Dr. Cole Hendron (played by Larry Keating), a scientist, and his assistant, Dr. Tony Drake (played by Richard Derr), are part of a team that is trying to build a spaceship to transport a small group of people to Zyra, the other planet that is on a collision course with Earth. They plan to evacuate as many people as they can to save them from the impending disaster.

After a lot of hard work, the spaceship is finally built, and the team selects a group of people who will be taken to Zyra. The group includes Hendron, Drake, Hendron’s daughter Joyce (played by Barbara Rush), millionaire Sidney Stanton (played by John Hoyt), and his secretary, among others.

The spaceship takes off just as the collision between the planets begins. They face several challenges during the journey, including a malfunction that causes a loss of oxygen and a difficult landing on Zyra. However, they finally manage to land safely on the new planet and start building a new civilization.

The movie ends with a sense of hope, as the survivors look forward to rebuilding their lives on Zyra and starting a new era for humankind.

“When Worlds Collide” was considered a groundbreaking film at the time of its release, as it was one of the first movies to explore the possibility of space travel and the colonization of other planets. It remains a classic of the science-fiction genre to this day.

Directors:
Rudolph Maté

Writer:
Sydney Boehm, Edwin Balmer, Philip Wylie

Stars:
Richard Derr, Barbara Rush, Peter Hansen

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Small Back Room (1949)

3/5 (1)

“The Small Back Room” is a British war drama film released in 1949, directed by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. The story follows the struggles of a bomb disposal expert named Sammy Rice (played by David Farrar) during World War II.

Rice is a skilled engineer and has been tasked with diffusing unexploded bombs across London. However, he is also dealing with a painful injury sustained during the war, which has left him addicted to painkillers and alcohol. His addiction, combined with the pressure of his job, leads to tension in his relationship with his girlfriend Susan (played by Kathleen Byron).

As the war intensifies and the German bombings become more frequent, Rice is tasked with diffusing a new type of bomb that has never been encountered before. With the clock ticking, Rice and his team race against time to find a solution and prevent a disaster.

Throughout the film, Rice must confront his personal demons and find a way to overcome his addiction in order to complete his mission. Meanwhile, Susan struggles to support Rice and cope with the stress of living in a war-torn city.

Overall, “The Small Back Room” is a gripping and intense drama that explores the psychological toll of war and the challenges faced by those on the front lines. The film is notable for its realistic portrayal of bomb disposal techniques and its nuanced depiction of the characters’ emotions and relationships.

Directors:
Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger

Writer:
Nigel Balchin, Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger

Stars:
David Farrar, Jack Hawkins, Kathleen Byron

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Beyond Bengal (1934)

3/5 (1)

“Beyond Bengal” is a travelogue written by British explorer and author, S.P. Bhatnagar, first published in 1934. The book chronicles Bhatnagar’s journey through the eastern parts of India, from Bengal to Assam, and the various cultures and peoples he encounters along the way.

Bhatnagar begins his journey in Calcutta, where he observes the hustle and bustle of the city, as well as its rich cultural heritage. From there, he travels to the ancient city of Gaur, where he witnesses the ruins of the once-great kingdom of Bengal. He then travels to Darjeeling, a picturesque hill station, and the neighboring state of Sikkim, where he experiences the unique culture of the Lepchas and Bhutias.

Bhatnagar also explores the tea gardens of Assam, which were a major source of revenue for the British colonial government. He describes the harsh living conditions of the tea garden workers and the exploitation they faced at the hands of their British masters. He then travels to the tribal regions of Assam, where he encounters the Naga and Khasi tribes and learns about their customs and way of life.

Throughout his journey, Bhatnagar is struck by the immense diversity of India, and he reflects on the country’s complex history and culture. He also comments on the impact of British colonialism on India, both positive and negative.

Overall, “Beyond Bengal” provides a fascinating glimpse into the culture and society of eastern India during the early 20th century, and offers valuable insights into the region’s history and heritage.

Directors:
Harry Schenck

Writer:
Harry Schenck

Stars:
Harry Schenck, Joan Baldwin, John Martin

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Judex (1963)

4/5 (1)

“Judex” is a French crime thriller film released in 1963, directed by Georges Franju and starring Channing Pollock and Francine Bergé. The film is a modern retelling of the silent film serial of the same name from 1916.

The story follows Judex (played by Channing Pollock), a masked vigilante who seeks revenge against a corrupt banker named Favraux (played by Michel Vitold). Favraux had swindled Judex’s father out of his fortune, causing him to die in poverty.

Judex kidnaps Favraux and puts him on trial for his crimes. However, he is interrupted by the arrival of a beautiful woman named Diana Monti (played by Francine Bergé), who has her own plans for Favraux’s money. Diana is a member of a criminal organization and seeks to use Favraux’s money to fund their illegal activities.

As Judex and Diana clash over Favraux’s fate, they both become embroiled in a web of intrigue and danger. Along the way, they encounter a cast of eccentric characters, including a clown, a magician, and a loyal servant named Cocantin (played by René Génin).

In the end, Judex is able to bring Favraux to justice and foil Diana’s plans. The film ends with Judex revealing his true identity and disappearing into the night.

“Judex” is a stylish and suspenseful crime thriller that showcases director Georges Franju’s unique visual style. The film’s intricate plot and intriguing characters make it a standout of the genre, and its combination of action, romance, and mystery has made it a cult classic among film buffs.

Directors:
Georges Franju

Writer:
Arthur Bernède, Louis Feuillade, Jacques Champreux

Stars:
Channing Pollock, Francine Bergé, Edith Scob

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Cottage to Let (1941)

3/5 (1)

“Cottage to Let” is a British comedy thriller film released in 1941, directed by Anthony Asquith and starring Leslie Banks, Alastair Sim, and John Mills. The film is set in a remote Scottish cottage during World War II and follows a group of eccentric characters whose paths intersect in unexpected ways.

The story revolves around the cottage’s owner, Charles Dimble (Leslie Banks), a retired army officer who now rents out the cottage to a variety of tenants. One of his current tenants is an absent-minded inventor named John Barrington (John Mills), who is working on a secret invention for the war effort. Another tenant is a young woman named Peggy (Jeanne De Casalis), who is due to give birth soon.

One night, a group of Nazi spies, led by the sinister Dr. Meinhold (George Cole), arrives at the cottage, believing that it is the location of Barrington’s secret invention. They are soon joined by a mysterious stranger named Richard Foley (Alastair Sim), who claims to be an air raid warden but may have his own agenda.

As the various characters interact, misunderstandings and mistaken identities abound, leading to a series of humorous and suspenseful situations. Along the way, the characters must also deal with bombings, air raids, and the arrival of the police.

The film has a lighthearted tone but also touches on the serious themes of war and espionage. It was well-received upon its release and has since become a classic of British cinema, known for its witty dialogue, clever plot twists, and memorable performances.

Directors:
Anthony Asquith

Writer:
Geoffrey Kerr, Anatole de Grunwald, J.O.C. Orton

Stars:
Leslie Banks, Alastair Sim, Jeanne De Casalis

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Night Train To Munich (1940)

4/5 (1)

“Night Train to Munich” is a 1940 British thriller directed by Carol Reed and starring Margaret Lockwood, Rex Harrison, and Paul Henreid. The movie tells the story of a British secret agent who goes undercover in Nazi Germany to rescue a Czech scientist and his daughter.

The film begins with the Nazi invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1938. The Czech scientist Axel Bomasch (played by James Harcourt) is captured and taken to Germany to work on a top-secret weapon for the Nazis. His daughter, Anna (played by Lockwood), is also taken into custody, but manages to escape to England with the help of a British secret agent, Gus Bennett (played by Harrison).

When the Nazis learn that Anna has escaped, they send their top agent, Captain Axel von Aschenbach (played by Henreid), to track her down. Gus and Anna are forced to go undercover and travel to Germany on the titular “Night Train to Munich” in order to rescue her father.

Once in Germany, Gus and Anna are aided by a variety of characters, including a sympathetic Gestapo agent and a resourceful cabaret singer. However, they are also pursued by Captain von Aschenbach and must use all of their wits and resources to evade capture.

“Night Train to Munich” is a tense and suspenseful film that explores themes of patriotism, sacrifice, and bravery in the face of danger. The movie’s strong performances and intricate plot twists keep viewers on the edge of their seats, while its message of hope and perseverance is both inspiring and uplifting.

Directors:
Carol Reed

Writer:
Gordon Wellesley, Sidney Gilliat, Frank Launder

Stars:
Margaret Lockwood, Rex Harrison, Paul Henreid

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49th Parallel-The Invaders (1941)

4/5 (1)

“49th Parallel” is a 1941 war drama directed by Michael Powell and starring Leslie Howard, Laurence Olivier, and Raymond Massey. The movie tells the story of a group of German sailors who become stranded in Canada during World War II.

The sailors are on a mission to gather intelligence and establish a base for the German invasion of North America. However, their plans are thwarted when their U-boat is sunk by the Royal Canadian Air Force. The surviving crew members must now make their way across Canada, avoiding detection by the authorities.

As they travel through Canada, the sailors encounter a variety of characters, including a French-Canadian trapper (played by Olivier), a pacifist writer (played by Howard), and a group of Hutterites (played by Massey and others). These encounters force the sailors to confront their beliefs and assumptions about the world.

The sailors’ journey becomes increasingly desperate as they are pursued by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. They resort to violence and theft to survive, leading to tragic consequences for some of the people they encounter.

In the end, the sailors are brought to justice and forced to confront the consequences of their actions. The movie ends with a message of hope and unity, as the characters from different backgrounds come together to fight against the common enemy of fascism.

“49th Parallel” is notable for its anti-fascist message and its portrayal of Canada as a diverse and multicultural society. The movie was nominated for several Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and is considered a classic of British cinema.

Directors:
Michael Powell

Writer:
Emeric Pressburger, Rodney Ackland

Stars:
Leslie Howard, Laurence Olivier, Raymond Massey

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Black Dragons (1942)

3/5 (1)

“Black Dragons” is a 1942 American film directed by William Nigh and starring Bela Lugosi. The movie tells the story of a group of Japanese agents, led by the mysterious Dr. Melcher (played by Lugosi), who arrive in the United States to carry out a diabolical plan.

The agents assume false identities and begin infiltrating American society. They target wealthy industrialists and businessmen, using their influence to acquire military secrets and technological advancements. However, their true intentions are soon revealed when they begin a series of brutal murders.

As the body count rises, a government agent named Mr. Dick Martin (played by Clayton Moore) is assigned to the case. He teams up with a group of patriotic citizens, including a newspaper reporter named Joan Woodbury (played by Joan Barclay), to track down the elusive Japanese agents and stop their deadly plot.

As the investigation progresses, it becomes clear that Dr. Melcher is the mastermind behind the operation. Martin and his team race against time to stop the Black Dragons before they can cause more destruction.

In the end, the Black Dragons are brought to justice, and their evil plan is foiled. The movie ends on a patriotic note, with a message urging Americans to remain vigilant against the threat of foreign agents and to support their country in its fight against fascism.

Directors:
William Nigh

Writer:
Harvey Gates, Robert Kehoe

Stars:
Bela Lugosi, Joan Barclay, George Pembroke

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The Red House (1947)

3/5 (1)

“The Red House” is a psychological thriller novel written by American author, Mark Haddon, and published in 1947. The novel is set in a rural English village, where two teenage siblings, Angela and Richard, decide to explore the woods behind their family farm, which is rumored to be haunted by a malevolent presence.

Their curiosity leads them to discover an abandoned house in the woods, which is painted entirely in red. The house is owned by their reclusive neighbor, Mr. Bryson, who has always warned the siblings to stay away from the woods and the house.

As Angela and Richard continue to explore the woods and the house, they uncover dark family secrets that have been buried for years. Their uncle, Philip, who has been living with their family, seems to know more than he’s letting on, and as tensions rise, the siblings start to fear for their safety.

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the red house is not just a haunted house, but a symbol of the psychological and emotional turmoil that plagues the characters. The novel deals with themes of family secrets, mental illness, and the destructive power of the past.

The novel is a suspenseful and atmospheric read that keeps the reader engaged until the very end.

Directors:
Delmer Daves

Writer:
George Agnew Chamberlain, Delmer Daves, Albert Maltz

Stars:
Edward G. Robinson, Lon McCallister, Judith Anderson

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Three Blondes in His Life (1961)

3/5 (1)

“Three Blondes in His Life” is a 1961 crime thriller directed by Leon Chooluck and starring Jock Mahoney, Jo Morrow, and Merry Anders. The film follows the story of a private investigator named Mike Farrell who becomes entangled in a dangerous web of deception and murder.

Mike Farrell (played by Mahoney) is hired by a wealthy businessman to investigate his daughter’s fiancé, who is suspected of embezzlement. As Mike delves deeper into the case, he discovers that the fiancé is actually innocent and that the real culprit is the businessman’s secretary, a beautiful blonde named Lila (played by Anders).

However, before Mike can apprehend Lila, he is sidetracked by the arrival of another blonde, a former flame named Doris (played by Morrow), who needs his help to clear her name in a murder case. As Mike juggles both cases, he finds himself drawn to the mysterious and alluring Lila, even as he begins to suspect her involvement in a larger criminal conspiracy.

As the plot thickens, Mike becomes embroiled in a deadly game of cat and mouse, in which he must outwit both Lila and her criminal cohorts to stay alive. Along the way, he uncovers a shocking conspiracy involving corrupt businessmen and organized crime.

“Three Blondes in His Life” is a fast-paced and suspenseful thriller that showcases the talents of its cast and director. The film’s intricate plot, clever twists, and charismatic characters keep audiences engaged and guessing until the very end.

Directors:
Leon Chooluck

Writer:
George Moskov, William Francis

Stars:
Jock Mahoney, Greta Thyssen, Jesse White

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The Girl Was Young (Young and Innocent) (1937)

3/5 (1)

“The Girl Was Young” (also known as “Young and Innocent”) is a 1937 British thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock, based on the novel “A Shilling for Candles” by Josephine Tey. The film follows the story of Robert Tisdall, a man wrongly accused of murder, and Erica Burgoyne, a young girl who helps him clear his name.

The film opens with the murder of famous actress Christine Clay in a seaside town. Robert Tisdall (played by Nova Pilbeam) is the last person seen with her and is quickly suspected of the crime. While running from the police, Robert meets Erica Burgoyne (played by Pilbeam as well), a young girl who believes in his innocence and helps him evade the authorities.

Together, they set out to prove Robert’s innocence and uncover the true killer. As they investigate, they encounter a variety of suspects, including a jealous ex-husband, a mysterious woman in black, and a wealthy businessman with a dark secret. Along the way, they must navigate a series of perilous situations, including a daring escape from a crowded courtroom and a dramatic chase through the woods.

Ultimately, Robert and Erica are able to identify the real killer and clear Robert’s name. The film ends with the two of them walking off into the distance, happy and relieved to have put the ordeal behind them. “The Girl Was Young” is a suspenseful and engaging thriller that showcases Hitchcock’s trademark style and storytelling abilities.

Directors:
Alfred Hitchcock

Writer:
Josephine Tey, Charles Bennett, Edwin Greenwood

Stars:
Nova Pilbeam, Derrick De Marney, Percy Marmont

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The 39 Steps (1935)

4.5/5 (2)

“The 39 Steps” is a 1935 British thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock and based on the novel of the same name by John Buchan. The movie follows the story of Richard Hannay, a man who becomes embroiled in a web of espionage and murder after a chance encounter with a spy.

The plot centers around Hannay, played by Robert Donat, who is falsely accused of the murder of a spy he met at a music hall. Hannay goes on the run and becomes involved in a dangerous conspiracy involving a secret organization called “The 39 Steps.” Along the way, he meets a woman named Pamela, played by Madeleine Carroll, who becomes his reluctant ally in his quest to clear his name and uncover the truth behind the conspiracy.

The film is notable for its innovative use of suspense and tension, as well as its clever and intricate plot. Hitchcock employs his signature techniques, including elaborate camera work and masterful editing, to create a thrilling and entertaining cinematic experience.

“The 39 Steps” has become a classic of the thriller genre and is widely regarded as one of Hitchcock’s best films. It has been remade several times, but the original remains a favorite among film buffs and Hitchcock fans.

Directors:
Alfred Hitchcock

Writer:
John Buchan, Charles Bennett, Ian Hay

Stars:
Robert Donat, Madeleine Carroll, Lucie Mannheim

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The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)

4/5 (1)

“The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” is a silent German expressionist film, directed by Robert Wiene and released in 1920. The film tells the story of a young man named Francis who recounts his experience with a sinister hypnotist named Dr. Caligari.

In the film, Francis and his friend Alan visit a fair where Dr. Caligari is exhibiting his somnambulist, Cesare, who has been asleep for twenty-three years. Caligari claims that Cesare can predict the future, and when Alan asks how long he has to live, Cesare predicts that he will be dead by dawn.

Later that night, Alan is found dead, and Francis becomes obsessed with finding the murderer. He suspects that Caligari and Cesare are responsible and starts investigating them. His investigations lead him to discover that Caligari is actually the director of a mental institution and that Cesare is one of his patients.

Francis eventually discovers that Caligari has been using Cesare to commit a series of murders in the town. He confronts Caligari, who reveals that he is insane and that he has been using Cesare as a tool to carry out his evil deeds. In the end, the police catch Caligari and Cesare dies.

The film is known for its use of expressionist visuals, such as distorted and stylized sets, and the use of lighting to create mood and atmosphere. It is considered a classic of German expressionist cinema and a landmark in the history of horror films.

Directors:
Robert Wiene

Writer:
Carl Mayer, Hans Janowitz

Stars:
Werner Krauss, Conrad Veidt, Friedrich Feher

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