The first and only movie directed by James Cagney is a remake of the 1942 classic THIS GUN FOR HIRE starring Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake. This time the gun for hire is Kyle Niles played by Robert Ivers. The pro hit-man is hired to commit two murders and ends up kidnapping sultry singer Glory Hamilton(Georgann Johnson)while seeking revenge on his boss(Jacques Aubuchon), a conniving gangster named Bahrwell, who paid him off in stolen money. Glory will end up helping Kyle after Bahrwell and his flunky(Murvyn Vye)rough her up. Meanwhile Glory's cop boyfriend, Sgt. Stan Lowery(William Bishop), is racing the clock with his every effort to find her before she is killed. Story line and editing is above par and the best acting comes from Johnson, who shows some humor while being a kidnap victim. This film shot entirely in Los Angeles features supporting roles by Peter Baldwin, Yvette Vickers and Richard Hale. Mr. Cagney's efforts are not shabby at all.
Review of Short Cut to Hell
