@celeste_writes
A patient, formally daring work — the cinematography lingers on empty rooms longer than most audiences will tolerate, but those who stay are rewarded with the most haunting final act of the year.
The tranquility of a small town is marred only by sheriff Tod Shaw's unsuccessful courtship of widow Ellen Benson, a pacifist who can't abide guns and those who use them. But violence descends on Ellen's household willy-nilly when the U.S. President passes through town... and slightly psycho hired assassin John Baron finds the Benson home ideal for an ambush.
Quick Stats
6.4
TMDB Rating
119
Votes
1h 17m
Runtime
—
Budget
—
Box Office
—
Return
Key Crew
DirectorLewis Allen
WriterRichard Sale
CinematographyCharles G. Clarke
ComposerDavid Raksin
EditorJohn F. Schreyer
Production DesignHoward Bristol
Produced by
Libra Productions Inc.
Where to Watch
Streaming
Netflix
HBO MaxBuy
Apple iTunesSee more on TMDB → JustWatch
Critics & Reviews
3 featured@jhalberg
I walked in expecting another genre exercise and walked out feeling like I'd been eavesdropping on a confession. The lead performance is genuinely singular — a career-defining turn.
@priya_a
A few too many scenes feel borrowed from a better film, but the soundtrack and the production design carry the rest. Solid recommendation for fans of slow-burn European thrillers.
Cast
Frank Sinatra
John Baron
Sterling Hayden
Sheriff Tod Shaw
James Gleason
Peter 'Pop' Benson
Nancy Gates
Ellen Benson
Kim Charney
Peter 'Pidge' Benson III
Willis Bouchey
Secret Service Detail Chief Dan Carney
Paul Frees
Benny Conklin
Christopher Dark
Bart Wheeler
James O'Hara
Jud Hobson
K
Kem Dibbs
Wilson
Charles Smith
Bebop
Paul Wexler
Slim Adams
Clark Howat
Haggerty
John Beradino
Trooper (uncredited)
Richard Collier
Ed Hawkins (uncredited)
