The Hostage Poster

The Hostage 1967

★ 4.65 votes84 min📅 1967-10-23

"An Outrageous Kidnapping ... and a town is gripped with FEAR!"

Directed by Russ Doughten, *The Hostage (1967)* is a gripping low-budget thriller that drops audiences into a tense, small-town nightmare when a young boy accidentally becomes trapped inside a speeding delivery van.

Director: Russ Doughten

Cast

Don Kelly
Don Kelly
Bull (as Don O'Kelly)
Harry Dean Stanton
Harry Dean Stanton
Eddie (as Dean Stanton)
John Carradine
John Carradine
Otis Lovelace
Danny Martins
Davey Cleaves
Ron Hagerthy
Ron Hagerthy
Steve Cleaves
Jennifer Lea
Carol Cleaves (as Jenifer Lea)
Ann Doran
Ann Doran
Miss Mabry
Raymond Guth
Raymond Guth
Sam Morton
Shirley O'Hara
Shirley O'Hara
Mrs. Primus
Mike McCloskey
Bartender

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Hostage (1967) about?

A young boy accidentally gets trapped inside a moving delivery van, turning a mistake into a town-wide crisis. As panic spreads, his desperate situation becomes a race against time for his family and neighbors. The film explores themes of fear, urgency, and the unpredictable twists of fate.

Who directed The Hostage?

Russ Doughten directed *The Hostage*. Known for his work in low-budget and independent films, Doughten crafted a suspenseful thriller despite the modest production scale.

Who stars in The Hostage?

The cast includes Don Kelly, Harry Dean Stanton, John Carradine, Danny Martins, and Ron Hagerthy, alongside Jennifer Lea.

Is The Hostage (1967) worth watching?

*The Hostage (1967)* isn't a polished blockbuster, but it delivers a tight, engaging thriller with a unique premise. Fans of vintage suspense or B-movies will appreciate its quick runtime and earnest performances. While not a genre classic, it's a curious watch for those interested in Crown International's style.

How long is The Hostage?

The runtime of *The Hostage (1967)* is 84 minutes.

About The Hostage (1967) — A Kidnapping Gone Wrong in a Low-Budget Thriller

Directed by Russ Doughten, *The Hostage (1967)* is a gripping low-budget thriller that drops audiences into a tense, small-town nightmare when a young boy accidentally becomes trapped inside a speeding delivery van. What starts as a routine mistake spirals into a high-stakes ordeal, with fear gripping the community as they scramble to uncover the whereabouts of the missing child. The film blends suspense with a touch of dark humor, as the boy's accidental kidnapping takes on an almost absurd edge against the backdrop of everyday life. With its tight runtime and relentless pacing, *The Hostage (1967)* delivers a compact yet unforgettable snapshot of panic, urgency, and the lengths people go to protect their own.

Starring Don Kelly, John Carradine, and Harry Dean Stanton, this Crown International production leans into its B-movie roots while crafting a surprisingly effective thriller. The atmosphere is claustrophobic and urgent, with every passing minute heightening the stakes. Doughten's direction keeps the tension palpable, making *The Hostage (1967)* a cult curiosity for fans of vintage suspense and those who crave a quick, adrenaline-fueled watch.