'' is a 1955 film from
Paramount Pictures starring
Humphrey Bogart . The film was directed by
William Wyler based on a novel and play written by
Joseph Hayes .
Bogart is the main character, Glenn Griffin, the leader of a trio of criminals who invade the Hilliard family's suburban home and hold the four members of the family hostage while awaiting the arrival of a cohort who is bringing the three fugitives funds to aid them in their escape. Police organize a statewide manhunt for the escapees and eventually discover the distraught family's plight. The audience of the movie, of course, does not care for Bogart's character, as he is vicious, cold, and cruel and will do anything to get his way. He menaces and torments the Hilliards and threatens to kill them, and an unfortunate garbage collector who happens upon the situation is murdered. At the climax of the film, Mr. Hilliard (March) throws Griffin (Bogart) out of the house by holding Griffin's loaded gun on him. Griffin is subsequently gunned down and killed when he hurls his unloaded gun at a police spotlight and tries to make a break for it upon discovering that lawmen have surrounded the Hilliard house.
- The first black-and-white movie in VistaVision , Paramount's wide-screen process.
- The original Broadway production had actor Paul Newman in the Bogart role. The character was made older in the script so Bogart could play the part in the film.
- Spencer Tracy was first cast to be in the film with Bogart, but the actors could not decide who should get top billing.
The movie was later remade in
1990 starring
Mickey Rourke ,
Anthony Hopkins ,
Mimi Rogers ,
Kelly Lynch ,
Lindsay Crouse and
David Morse . The remake, directed by
Michael Cimino , received poor reviews. See ''
Desperate Hours ''
