The Night Hawk 1938
Directed by Sidney Salkow, *The Night Hawk (1938)* is a gripping crime drama that weaves urgency, family loyalty, and danger into a tight 63-minute story.
Director: Sidney Salkow
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Night Hawk (1938) about?
This 1938 crime drama follows gangster Charlie McCormick as he breaks a quarantine to retrieve an iron lung for his gravely ill brother Bobby. At the same time, a newspaper editor and reporter uncover a whiskey smuggling operation aboard the same ocean liner, tying their fates together in a high-stakes story of survival and justice.
Who directed The Night Hawk?
Sidney Salkow directed *The Night Hawk (1938)*, known for his work in crime and adventure films of the late 1930s.
Who stars in The Night Hawk?
The film stars Robert Livingston, June Travis, Robert Armstrong, Ben Welden, and Lucien Littlefield in pivotal roles.
Is The Night Hawk (1938) worth watching?
*The Night Hawk (1938)* is a solid pick for classic crime drama fans. While it lacks a star-studded cast or groundbreaking cinematography, its tight runtime and moral dilemmas make it an engaging 63-minute escape into the gritty world of 1930s crime fiction.
How long is The Night Hawk?
The runtime of *The Night Hawk (1938)* is 63 minutes.
About The Night Hawk (1938) — Crime Drama Set Aboard an Ocean Liner
Directed by Sidney Salkow, *The Night Hawk (1938)* is a gripping crime drama that weaves urgency, family loyalty, and danger into a tight 63-minute story. Set against the tense backdrop of a luxury ocean liner, the film follows gangster Charlie McCormick as he races against time to break a medical quarantine and save his younger brother Bobby, who relies on an iron lung. Meanwhile, a crusading newspaper editor scrambles to expose a whiskey smuggling ring, sending reporter Slim Torrence into a high-stakes chase. With themes of desperation, moral conflict, and the relentless pursuit of justice, this early sound-era crime thriller delivers suspense, moral ambiguity, and sharp dialogue in equal measure.
Starring Robert Livingston as the conflicted McCormick, June Travis as publisher's daughter Della Parrish, and Robert Armstrong as customs officer Tom Niles, the film blends fast-paced action with character-driven drama. The confined setting of the Pacific Queen heightens the tension, turning a simple mission into a race against disease, corruption, and time. Whether you're a fan of vintage crime films or curious about 1930s social thrillers, *The Night Hawk (1938)* offers a compelling snapshot of an era when the press and underworld collided on the high seas.