Name: This Gun for Hire
Director: Frank Tuttle
Genre: Crime, Thriller, Mystery
Released: 1942-01-01
Duration: 81 min
Rating: 7.0
Cast: Alan Ladd, Veronica Lake, Robert Preston, Laird Cregar, Tully Marshall

Watch the trailer

via YouTube

Runtime1h 21m

Released1942

Budget$512K

Box office$1M

DirectorFrank Tuttle

About This Movie

This Gun for Hire is a gritty little film that dives into the mind of a remorseless hitman, Philip Raven, played with a chilling edge by Alan Ladd. The film’s atmosphere is thick with tension, especially as Raven navigates betrayal and revenge. The pacing is tight, keeping you on the edge, while the noir visuals—those shadows and stark lighting—really set a mood that screams classic crime thriller. Veronica Lake is striking as Ellen, her chemistry with Ladd adds a layer of complexity. It’s fascinating to watch the dynamics shift, especially when you realize her character is caught in Raven's chaotic wake. The practical effects are simple but effective, making the violence feel raw rather than stylized. It’s a solid entry in the noir genre, capturing the era's cynicism well.

Directed by Frank Tuttle, known for other noir works. · Cinematography by John F. Seitz, enhancing the dark atmosphere. · Features an early score by composer David Raksin. · Originally based on the novel by Graham Greene.