Over the years many people have come to recognize the genius of This Gun for Hire. So much so that it has been remade and parodied many times. Some are noted below.
A hitman is found out because he was paid off by a friend in stolen money. On the run, he kidnaps the his friends girlfriend and the police detective in charge of his pursuit and threatens to kill her unless the hunt is called off.
The 1957 remake of "This Gun for Hire" was directed by the great James Cagney and re-titled "Short Cut To Hell"; Perfectly suited to the role, once played by Alan Ladd, Cagney falls nicely into the kind of role that made him such a dynamic actor to watch.
"Short Cut to Hell" (1957) is a film noir directed by James Cagney, marking his only venture into film directing. The movie is a remake of the 1942 film "This Gun for Hire," which itself was based on the novel by Graham Greene. The plot centers on a professional hitman who becomes involved in a complex web of betrayal and revenge.
The story follows the character of Kyle Niles, a hitman who is double-crossed by his employers after successfully completing a job. Seeking revenge, Niles embarks on a journey to find those who betrayed him, but his plans take an unexpected turn when he kidnaps a girl named Janice Maret. As the narrative unfolds, Niles and Janice develop a complex relationship, with Janice trying to persuade Niles to abandon his path of vengeance and choose a more righteous life.
"Short Cut to Hell" incorporates classic film noir elements, including a morally ambiguous protagonist, a femme fatale, gritty urban settings, and themes of crime, betrayal, and redemption. The film reflects the dark, cynical outlook of post-war American cinema, exploring the psychological depths of its characters and the choices they make in desperate situations.
James Cagney, primarily known for his iconic acting roles in gangster films and musicals, took on the role of director for this film. His direction in "Short Cut to Hell" showcases his understanding of the noir genre and his ability to create tension and develop complex characters. Despite Cagney’s success as an actor, he did not pursue further directorial projects, making "Short Cut to Hell" a unique entry in his storied career.
Upon its release, "Short Cut to Hell" received mixed reviews and has since remained a relatively obscure film within the noir genre, especially when compared to Cagney’s more prominent acting roles. However, it has garnered attention from noir aficionados and film historians for its connection to Cagney and as an example of post-war American noir cinema. The film offers an intriguing glimpse into what Cagney could have contributed to filmmaking as a director and remains a point of interest for those studying his career and the noir genre as a whole.
Despite its relative obscurity, "Short Cut to Hell" is appreciated by genre enthusiasts for its storytelling, atmospheric direction, and the performance of its lead actors. It stands as an interesting footnote in the history of film noir and James Cagney’s illustrious career in the entertainment industry.
NEVER DOUBLE-CROSS A HITMAN
A killer for hire named Raven kills his target. However, he believes that he was just killing an ordinary person, but before he knows it, there’s a massive manhunt for him.
"This Gun for Hire" (1991) is a television movie remake of the classic 1942 film noir of the same name. The original "This Gun for Hire," directed by Frank Tuttle, starred Alan Ladd as Philip Raven, a hitman with a conscience, and Veronica Lake as Ellen Graham, a nightclub singer and undercover agent. The 1942 film, based on the novel by Graham Greene, is considered a classic of the film noir genre and marked the beginning of the famous on-screen pairing of Ladd and Lake.
The 1991 version of "This Gun for Hire" is less well-known and updates the story to a contemporary setting as part of a trend where classic film noirs were remade or reimagined for new audiences, often with updated plots that reflect modern sensibilities or issues.
Bobby McCoy is hired by bounty hunter Mitch Dobbs as backup in the apprehension of Rico LeFores, a lowlife drug dealer/murderer with a hefty price on his head.
