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Crime Wave

  • 19531953
  • ApprovedApproved
  • 1h 13m
IMDb RATING
7.3/10
4K
YOUR RATING
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • Trivia
  • IMDbPro
Sterling Hayden, Phyllis Kirk, and Gene Nelson in Crime Wave (1953)
Reformed parolee Steve Lacey is caught in the middle when a wounded former cellmate seeks him out for shelter.
Play trailer2:37
1 Video
22 Photos
  • Crime
  • Drama
  • Film-Noir
Reformed parolee Steve Lacey is caught in the middle when a wounded former cellmate seeks him out for shelter.Reformed parolee Steve Lacey is caught in the middle when a wounded former cellmate seeks him out for shelter.Reformed parolee Steve Lacey is caught in the middle when a wounded former cellmate seeks him out for shelter.
IMDb RATING
7.3/10
4K
YOUR RATING
  • Director
    • André De Toth
  • Writers
    • Crane Wilbur(screen play)
    • Bernard Gordon(adaptation)
    • Richard Wormser(adaptation)
  • Stars
    • Gene Nelson
    • Sterling Hayden
    • Phyllis Kirk
Top credits
  • Director
    • André De Toth
  • Writers
    • Crane Wilbur(screen play)
    • Bernard Gordon(adaptation)
    • Richard Wormser(adaptation)
  • Stars
    • Gene Nelson
    • Sterling Hayden
    • Phyllis Kirk
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 67User reviews
    • 53Critic reviews
  • See more at IMDbPro

    • Videos1

    Trailer
    Trailer 2:37
    Trailer

    Photos22

    Sterling Hayden, Ted de Corsia, Phyllis Kirk, and Gene Nelson in Crime Wave (1953)
    Timothy Carey and Phyllis Kirk in Crime Wave (1953)
    Charles Bronson and Dub Taylor in Crime Wave (1953)
    Timothy Carey and Phyllis Kirk in Crime Wave (1953)
    Sterling Hayden, Phyllis Kirk, and Gene Nelson in Crime Wave (1953)
    Sterling Hayden in Crime Wave (1953)
    Charles Bronson and Ted de Corsia in Crime Wave (1953)
    Charles Bronson in Crime Wave (1953)
    Charles Bronson, Timothy Carey, Ted de Corsia, Phyllis Kirk, and Gene Nelson in Crime Wave (1953)
    Timothy Carey and Phyllis Kirk in Crime Wave (1953)
    Ted de Corsia and Gene Nelson in Crime Wave (1953)
    Sterling Hayden and Dub Taylor in Crime Wave (1953)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Gene Nelson
    Gene Nelson
    • Steve Laceyas Steve Lacey
    Sterling Hayden
    Sterling Hayden
    • Det. Lt. Simsas Det. Lt. Sims
    Phyllis Kirk
    Phyllis Kirk
    • Ellen Laceyas Ellen Lacey
    Ted de Corsia
    Ted de Corsia
    • 'Doc' Pennyas 'Doc' Penny
    Charles Bronson
    Charles Bronson
    • Ben Hastingsas Ben Hastings
    • (as Charles Buchinsky)
    Jay Novello
    Jay Novello
    • Dr. Otto Hessleras Dr. Otto Hessler
    Nedrick Young
    Nedrick Young
    • Gat Morganas Gat Morgan
    • (as Ned Young)
    James Bell
    James Bell
    • Daniel O'Keefeas Daniel O'Keefe
    Dub Taylor
    Dub Taylor
    • Gus Snideras Gus Snider
    • (as Dubb Taylor)
    Gayle Kellogg
    • Detective Kellyas Detective Kelly
    Mack Chandler
    • Detective Sullyas Detective Sully
    Iris Adrian
    Iris Adrian
    • Hastings' Girlfriendas Hastings' Girlfriend
    • (uncredited)
    Joe Bassett
    • Copas Cop
    • (uncredited)
    Charles Cane
    • Detectiveas Detective
    • (uncredited)
    Timothy Carey
    Timothy Carey
    • Johnny Haslettas Johnny Haslett
    • (uncredited)
    Tom Clarke
    • Salvation Army Singeras Salvation Army Singer
    • (uncredited)
    Fred Coby
    Fred Coby
    • Cop in Squad Caras Cop in Squad Car
    • (uncredited)
    Dennis Dengate
    • Police Officeras Police Officer
    • (uncredited)
    • Director
      • André De Toth
    • Writers
      • Crane Wilbur(screen play)
      • Bernard Gordon(adaptation)
      • Richard Wormser(adaptation)
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
    • All cast & crew

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      According to an interview on US DVD, Jack L. Warner originally wanted Humphrey Bogart and Ava Gardner to star in the movie, but André De Toth vehemently protested this. Warner was fed up after a long argument and told De Toth he could make the movie any way he wanted, but it had to be in two weeks, which suited De Toth since he finished under schedule and under budget with his preferred star, Sterling Hayden.
    • Goofs
      When Gat Morgan comes to Steve and Ellen Laceys' apartment he brandishes a Smith & Wesson .38 special with a 2.5" barrel. When Steve's parole officer arrives detective Lt. Sims holds and hands the gun that Steve Lacey took from Morgan to parole officer O'Keefe. The revolver now has a 4" barrel and appears to be a Colt Police Positive.
    • Quotes

      Det. Lt. Sims: You know, it isn't what a man wants to do, Lacey, but what he has to do. Now take me - I love to smoke cigarettes, but the doctors say I can't have them. So what do I do? I chew toothpicks, tons of them.

    • Connections
      Featured in Century of Cinema: A Personal Journey with Martin Scorsese Through American Movies (1995)
    • Soundtracks
      'S Wonderful
      Music by George Gershwin
      Lyrics by Ira Gershwin
      Performed by Doris Day on record

    User reviews67

    Review
    Top review
    Great little unknown film!!
    I just love these type films and I had never heard of this one--thank you to the Mystery Channel. Great performances all around, and for once I liked this performance of Sterling Hayden!! Normally, I can't stand him, as he seemed to play the same character in every film I have seen him in. Gene Nelson and Phyllis Kirk were also excellent,who would have thought they could do such acting and the cinematography is really something to see--I always wonder when seeing these films, just how many of the buildings are still around. This is a great little film--be sure and catch it if you ever see it on the schedule!!!
    helpful•18
    2
    • SkippyDevereaux
    • Nov 13, 2001

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • March 6, 1954 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • The City Is Dark
    • Filming locations
      • Union Station - 800 N. Alameda Street, Downtown, Los Angeles, California, USA
    • Production company
      • Warner Bros.
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 13 minutes
    • Color
      • Black and White
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.37 : 1

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