Inspired by actual events. There was a kidnapping and murder in California in 1933 which ended with a lynch mob murdering the accused killers. The victim in the kidnapping was a friend of former child star Jackie Coogan who participated in the lynching.
Out of work and down on his luck with a child and a pregnant wife, normally law-abiding husband (Frank Lovejoy) becomes Lloyd Bridges' getaway driver on a series of robberies.
Lloyd Bridges jumps into a really nice convertible with a wealthy youth. He abducts him, murders him while Lovejoy pleads for the rich guy's life. They demand a ransom from the victim's father.
Reportedly, Martin Scorsese owned the only known 35mm print left of this movie. He allowed it to be used to restore the film.
You feel for the poor guy desperate for income, then distraught about being involved in a murder. A local newspaper columnist (Richard Carlson) innocently whips the community into a murderous rage. A lot of guilt-stricken people in this thing.
I watched it the day after Trump pardoned members of the mob who attacked the capitol intent on lynching Mike Pence.
Directed by Cy Endfield a year before he headed for England to escape the blacklist. He went on to direct Zulu among other things.
You know who should have gotten a supporting role? Jackie Coogan.
Free on Movieland.Tv, Local Now and Crime and Mystery. Available for $3.99 on Apple TV and Amazon Prime.
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