The second film adaptation of Graham Greene's classic novel "A Gun For Sale" this one attracted my attention because of something I'd never have expected... but we'll save that for later.
Anyway, let's talk a moment about SHORTCUT TO HELL.
Anyway, let's talk a moment about SHORTCUT TO HELL.
It's been a long time since I've read Greene's original novel, but from what I remember, this more or less follows the bare-bones outline of the book. Professional hitman is hired to kill two people, and afterwards is betrayed to the police by his employer, who has paid him with stolen money he knows is already being traced. The hitman, of course, wants revenge, but in order to give himself time and the opportunity to get it, he kidnaps the girlfriend of the police detective who's on his trail, using her as a hostage to buy time. Along the way, the woman does her best to bring out the hitman's sense of decency and humanity.
To call this movie "modest" or a "B movie" would be kind. It's more like "minor" and "C+." That said, there's nothing actually bad about it, it just isn't very good either. Each scene is just barely competent enough to keep you from turning it off, but the end result is one of feeling as if time was wasted.
So, why did this catch my eye to begin with?
Well...
To call this movie "modest" or a "B movie" would be kind. It's more like "minor" and "C+." That said, there's nothing actually bad about it, it just isn't very good either. Each scene is just barely competent enough to keep you from turning it off, but the end result is one of feeling as if time was wasted.
So, why did this catch my eye to begin with?
Well...
Oh. That's unfortunate. This appears to be Cagney's only directorial effort, though, so at least he knew when to quit.
Not recommended. Watch the original adaptation, "This Gun for Hire" starring Alan Ladd, or just read the novel.
Not recommended. Watch the original adaptation, "This Gun for Hire" starring Alan Ladd, or just read the novel.
RSS Feed