I noticed one reviewer say "Bogey does it again". While I would agree that Bogart did a great job in the picture, I really feel the outstanding role was actually played by Frederick March. Bogey was menacing and that's certainly nothing new. But March, playing a sort of "every man" role who unexpectedly rises to the occasion in the end really stood out for me. It was a sort of metaphor for the capacity within us all to stand up to injustice and look for our own inner strength.
The plot is VERY simple. An evil gang takes a family hostage while hiding from the police. However, what makes the film stand out is the exquisite writing and acting that follows. This film really gives you a lot from such a simple plot.
Be sure to watch the ending--it really delivers!
UPDATE: I just saw another film, "Hunted Men", and it was quite similar to "The Desperate Hours" except that it lacked the grittiness and had TONS of schmaltzy scenes where the crime boss shows he really isn't so bad after all. And, as a result, "Hunted Men" is a vastly inferior film....though the two would make a great double-feature.
The plot is VERY simple. An evil gang takes a family hostage while hiding from the police. However, what makes the film stand out is the exquisite writing and acting that follows. This film really gives you a lot from such a simple plot.
Be sure to watch the ending--it really delivers!
UPDATE: I just saw another film, "Hunted Men", and it was quite similar to "The Desperate Hours" except that it lacked the grittiness and had TONS of schmaltzy scenes where the crime boss shows he really isn't so bad after all. And, as a result, "Hunted Men" is a vastly inferior film....though the two would make a great double-feature.