Hell on Frisco Bay (Warner Archive)

Hell on Frisco Bay (Warner Archive)

(1955)

actors: Edward G. Robinson, Joanne Dru, Paul Stewart, Perry Lopez, Renata Vanni, Stanley Adams, Alan Ladd, Willis Bouchey, George J. Lewis, Tina Carver, (more)
director: Frank Tuttle
genre: Crime Drama, Film Noir, Crime, Drama
line: Warner Home Video
year: 1955
length: 98 minutes
released: October 24, 2017
format: DVD
misc: Widescreen, Color, NTSC
language: English (Original Language)

Synopsis

Screen icon Alan Ladd produces and stars in this crime spectacle, shot on location in noir central -- San Francisco. Steve Rollins (Ladd) is both ex-cop and ex-con, recently sprung from the stir. Spurning both love (Joanne Dru, as a songstress spouse who strayed) and friendship (William Demarest as his ex-police partner), Steve has one singular quest: Kill whoever set him up for murder, or die trying.

Blending adult drama, detective story and noir, Hell on Frisco Bay is a cinema stew that's heavy on the savor and the flavor, thanks to its colorful CinemaScope and a top-notch supporting ensemble. Heading that ensemble is Edward G. Robinson, delivering one of his most unforgettable mobsters, the utterly repulsive and remorseless Vic Amato. Fay Wray nearly steals the show as a faded screen queen, while Paul Stewart serves up one of his finest performances as Joe Lye, Amato's hired killer with a conscience.