---
title: "Short Cut to Hell"
year: 1957
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/short-cut-to-hell-1957"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 51555
imdb_id: null
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 89
community_rating: 5.8
vote_count: 0
content_rating: "Unrated"
---

# Short Cut to Hell (1957) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/short-cut-to-hell-1957

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Short Cut to Hell is a 1957 crime, drama, and thriller film released in the United States on September 1, 1957, with a runtime of one hour and twenty-nine minutes. The narrative follows a hitman whose exposure through traceable stolen money triggers a high-stakes police pursuit, during which he kidnaps the pursuer's girlfriend.

Culturally, the film is notable as a remake of the 1941 Alan Ladd film This Gun for Hire, which was itself based on the 1936 Graham Greene novel A Gun for Sale. It delivers a traditional mid-century thriller tone centered on tension between the cornered criminal and his captive.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A fugitive hitman on the run kidnaps a police detective's girlfriend while evading capture."

### Why Watch
- It is a feature-length crime drama and thriller running one hour and twenty-nine minutes.
- The plot involves a gripping pursuit after a hitman is exposed by traceable stolen money.
- It serves as a remake of the 1941 Alan Ladd film This Gun for Hire, which was based on a Graham Greene novel.

### Caveats & Content Note
- Viewers looking for modern streaming availability will find that the provided sources do not list specific streaming platforms.
- Tone & Suitability: The film maintains a serious crime and thriller tone with a runtime of one hour and twenty-nine minutes, making it suitable for fans of mid-century cinematic adaptations.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: #crime, #drama, #thriller, #hitman, #police-pursuit, #stolen-money, #hostage

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/short-cut-to-hell-1957#watch.

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: James Cagney
- **Networks / Studios**: A.C. Lyles Productions, Paramount Pictures

## Key Cast Continuity

- **William Bishop** as *Sgt. Stan Lowery*
- **Robert Ivers** as *Kyle Niles*
- **Georgann Johnson** as *Glory Hamilton*
- **Yvette Vickers** as *Daisy*
- **Murvyn Vye** as *Nichols*
- **Jacques Aubuchon** as *Bahrwell*
- **Peter Baldwin** as *Carl Adams*
- **Richard Hale** as *AT*
- **Milton Frome** as *Police Captain*
- **Douglas Spencer** as *Train Conductor*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where can I stream Short Cut to Hell?
The provided sources do not specify current streaming platforms, though options to rent or buy are referenced on database platforms.

### Q: Is Short Cut to Hell worth watching?
It may appeal to enthusiasts of classic crime adaptations, holding user scores in the range of fifty-nine to sixty percent on various film databases.

### Q: What is the runtime or binge duration?
The film has a total runtime of one hour and twenty-nine minutes.

### Q: What are the essential episodes or viewing requirements?
As a feature film with a runtime of one hour and twenty-nine minutes, it is watched as a single standalone viewing experience rather than episodic television.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Short Cut to Hell — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/51555)
- [Short Cut to Hell (1957) | ČSFD.cz](https://www.csfd.cz/film/44009-short-cut-to-hell/prehled/)
- [Short Cut to Hell - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Short_Cut_to_Hell)
- [Short Cut to Hell 59% (1957) | Kinobox.cz](https://www.kinobox.cz/film/267271-short-cut-to-hell)
- [Short Cut to Hell (1957) | DIV.cz](https://div.cz/film/short-cut-to-hell)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*