description Born to Kill Overview
"Born to Kill" is a 1947 American film noir directed by Robert Wise and distributed by RKO Radio Pictures. The narrative centers around a violent, sociopathic drifter named Sam Wild, portrayed by Lawrence Tierney, who becomes entangled in a complex web of murder and blackmail. The film is an adaptation of James Gunn's novel "Deadlier Than the Male" and co-stars Claire Trevor and Walter Slezak.
help Born to Kill FAQ
Who directed the 1947 film noir Born to Kill?
Born to Kill was directed by acclaimed director Robert Wise, who later went on to win Academy Awards for West Side Story and The Sound of Music. Released in 1947, it stands as one of RKO's harsher and more cynical crime dramas.
Who stars in the movie Born to Kill?
The film stars Lawrence Tierney in a terrifying role as Sam Wilde, a violent and sociopathic drifter. The cast also features Claire Trevor and Walter Slezak, who help flesh out the film's dark, morally bankrupt world.
What is the plot of the 1947 movie Born to Kill?
The plot revolves around Tierney's character, a cold-blooded murderer who moves to San Francisco after committing a double homicide. He then aggressively pursues a wealthy woman while a private detective begins to unravel his dark past.
Is Born to Kill considered a classic film noir?
Yes, while it was highly controversial upon its release for its extreme brutality, it is now widely studied as a quintessential film noir. Its incredibly pessimistic tone and unsympathetic protagonist perfectly encapsulate the darker themes of 1940s RKO cinema.
explore Explore More
Similar to Born to Kill
See all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
