Split Second 1953
"Steel Your Nerves! Here's excitement that will smash them!"
In the high-stakes thriller *Split Second (1953)*, director Dick Powell crafts a tense nail-biter set against the eerie backdrop of a ghost town awaiting a nuclear test.
Director: Dick Powell
Cast
Stephen McNally
Sam Hurley
Alexis Smith
Kay Garven
Jan Sterling
Dorothy 'Dottie' Vale
Keith Andes
Larry Fleming
Arthur Hunnicutt
Asa Tremaine
Paul Kelly
Bart Moore
Robert Paige
Arthur Ashton
Richard Egan
Doctor Neal Garven
Frank De Kova
Dummy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Split Second (1953) about?
The film follows escaped convicts who seize hostages in a ghost town slated for a nuclear test, using the looming blast as leverage. As the tension mounts, alliances shift and survival instincts take over in this gripping crime thriller.
Who directed Split Second?
Split Second was directed by Dick Powell, known for his work in classic crime and noir films of the 1940s and 1950s.
Who stars in Split Second?
The film features Stephen McNally, Alexis Smith, Jan Sterling, Keith Andes, and Arthur Hunnicutt in pivotal roles.
Is Split Second (1953) worth watching?
With its taut suspense and strong performances, Split Second (1953) is a solid choice for fans of classic crime thrillers. While it lacks modern CGI spectacle, its psychological tension and 1950s atmosphere make it a compelling watch.
How long is Split Second?
Split Second runs for 85 minutes, making it a tight, engaging experience perfect for a single viewing.
🎥 Trailer
About Split Second (1953) — A 1950s Thriller of Hostages and High Stakes
In the high-stakes thriller *Split Second (1953)*, director Dick Powell crafts a tense nail-biter set against the eerie backdrop of a ghost town awaiting a nuclear test. The story follows a group of desperate escaped convicts who take hostages in a deserted mining settlement, using the looming threat of an impending blast to their advantage. As the tension escalates, the line between captives and captors blurs, with moral dilemmas and raw survival instinct driving every decision. The film's moody cinematography and claustrophobic setting amplify the suspense, making it a gripping exploration of fear, desperation, and the fragile grip of sanity under extreme pressure.
Stephen McNally delivers a commanding performance as the hardened protagonist navigating this deadly chess game, with Alexis Smith and Jan Sterling adding layers of emotional depth to the high-pressure scenario. A quintessential Cold War-era crime thriller, *Split Second (1953)* blends genre elements with a palpable sense of dread, offering viewers a snapshot of 1950s suspense at its finest.
