Crime Wave 1953
"Before your shocked eyes -- the city blasted SIN-SIDE OUT!"
Directed by the unflinching André de Toth, *Crime Wave (1953)* plunges viewers into a gritty, tension-soaked Los Angeles where the past refuses to stay buried.
Director: André de Toth
Cast
Sterling Hayden
Det. Lt. Sims
Gene Nelson
Steve Lacey
Phyllis Kirk
Ellen Lacey
Ted de Corsia
'Doc' Penny
Charles Bronson
Ben Hastings
Jay Novello
Dr. Otto Hessler
Nedrick Young
Gat Morgan
James Bell
Daniel O'Keefe
Dub Taylor
Gus Snider
Gayle Kellogg
Detective Kelly
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crime Wave (1953) about?
*Crime Wave* follows Steve Lacey, a reformed ex-con whose peaceful life is upended when a wounded former cellmate seeks his help. When Lacey's two other former inmates reappear, they force him into an impossible choice: participate in a dangerous bank robbery or face the consequences. The film becomes a tense cat-and-mouse game as Lacey struggles to stay on the right side of the law.
Who directed Crime Wave?
The film was directed by André de Toth, a filmmaker known for his work in crime and noir genres.
Who stars in Crime Wave?
The film stars Sterling Hayden, Gene Nelson, Phyllis Kirk, Ted de Corsia, and a young Charles Bronson in a pivotal role.
Is Crime Wave (1953) worth watching?
*Crime Wave* is a tight, well-paced noir thriller that's perfect for fans of classic crime cinema. While it may not have the star power of big-budget noirs, its brisk runtime and claustrophobic tension make it a rewarding watch. If you enjoy quick, suspenseful tales with moral ambiguity, this 1953 gem deserves a spot on your list.
How long is Crime Wave?
*Crime Wave* runs for 73 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Crime Wave (1953) — A Gritty Noirish Thriller with Sterling Hayden
Directed by the unflinching André de Toth, *Crime Wave (1953)* plunges viewers into a gritty, tension-soaked Los Angeles where the past refuses to stay buried. When a desperate ex-con pleads for sanctuary, reformed parolee Steve Lacey finds himself trapped between loyalty and survival, as former cellmates descend with a chilling ultimatum: pull off a bank heist or face the consequences. With its shadowy alleys and moral dilemmas, this noir-tinged thriller explores themes of betrayal, second chances, and the thin line between crime and justice. The film's brisk 73-minute runtime crackles with urgency as alliances unravel and violence looms just around the corner.
Starring the magnetic Sterling Hayden as Lacey, *Crime Wave* delivers a knockout cast featuring Gene Nelson and Phyllis Kirk as the unpredictable forces in his life, while a young Charles Bronson lurks in the background as one of the vengeful strangers. De Toth's lean, no-frills direction keeps the suspense dialed to eleven, making this a compact yet gripping addition to 1950s crime cinema.
