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Movie Info

Drifter Sam Wilde (Lawrence Tierney) murders a Reno, Nev., boardinghouse owner and her boyfriend in a fit of jealousy. Tenant Helen Brent (Claire Trevor) discovers the bodies, but instead of reporting the crime, she leaves for San Francisco as planned to return to her wealthy fiancé. On the same train, Sam flirts with Helen, then tracks her to her half-sister's house, where he continues to pursue her. Although Helen suspects Sam is a murderer, she inexplicably protects him from an investigator.

Cast & Crew

Lawrence Tierney
Sam Wild
Claire Trevor
Helen Brent
Walter Slezak
Matthew Albert Arnett
Phillip Terry
Fred Grover
Audrey Long
Georgia Staples
Elisha Cook Jr.
Marty 'Mart' Waterman
Isabel Jewell
Laury Palmer
Esther Howard
Mrs. Kraft
Kathryn Card
Grace
Tony Barrett
Danny Jaden
Robert Wise
Director
Herman Schlom
Producer
Sid Rogell
Executive Producer
Eve Greene
Writer
Richard Macaulay
Writer
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Critic Reviews for Born to Kill

All Critics (6) | Top Critics (2) | Fresh (5) | Rotten (1)

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Audience Reviews for Born to Kill

  • Jan 25, 2021
    This is about as dark a 1940s film noir as you'll find. It's plot suggests that all people have a sinister side. Robert Wise is the perfect director to explore this theme. And, If you know anything about the real life of the film's lead actor, Lawrence Tierney, you'll know that he's pretty much type-cast as the cocksure, criminal who casts a spell over the women he targets. Claire Trevor, known as the Queen of Noirs, is spellbinding herself.
    Aldo G Super Reviewer
  • Sep 05, 2010
    Another good film noir, with a very interesting story of murder and romance. Good acting, good story, it's good.
    Aj V Super Reviewer
  • Jan 21, 2009
    Finally, a noir film where the title actually makes sense! Classic psychopath meets girl love story. If you can find it on DVD be sure to check out the commentary from author and noir expert Eddie Muller. Muller's insight into the character and personality of Lawrence Tierney is priceless. It wasn't so long ago that I couldn't even tell you who Robert Wise was. Now I find myself, like a sponge, wanting to soak up every film he ever directed. If I come across one I dislike I'll let you know.
    Randy T Super Reviewer
  • Jun 12, 2008
    Another example of great 40's Film Noir.
    Anthony V Super Reviewer
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