World for Ransom Poster

World for Ransom 1954

★ 5.121 votes82 min📅 1954-01-31

"He was lured kiss-by-kiss into an incredible plot to destroy the world!"

Robert Aldrich's gripping noir thriller *World for Ransom (1954)* pulls viewers into the shadowy underbelly of Singapore, where a deadly game of cat and mouse unfolds.

Director: Robert Aldrich

Cast

Dan Duryea
Dan Duryea
Mike Callahan / Corrigan
Gene Lockhart
Gene Lockhart
Alexis Pederas
Patric Knowles
Patric Knowles
Julian March
Reginald Denny
Reginald Denny
Major Ian Bone
Nigel Bruce
Nigel Bruce
Governor Sir Charles Coutts
Marian Carr
Marian Carr
Frennessey March
Arthur Shields
Arthur Shields
Sean O'Connor
Douglass Dumbrille
Douglass Dumbrille
Insp. McCollum
Carmen D'Antonio
Dancer
Keye Luke
Keye Luke
Wong

Frequently Asked Questions

What is World for Ransom (1954) about?

*World for Ransom* follows a private detective in Singapore as he tracks a ruthless crime syndicate that kidnaps a nuclear physicist to sell his knowledge to the highest bidder. The stakes rise as global consequences loom if the physicist's expertise falls into the wrong hands.

Who directed World for Ransom?

The film was directed by Robert Aldrich, known for his sharp storytelling and intense character dramas.

Who stars in World for Ransom?

The film stars Dan Duryea, Gene Lockhart, Patric Knowles, Reginald Denny, and Nigel Bruce in key roles.

Is World for Ransom (1954) worth watching?

With its taut pacing, noir atmosphere, and solid performances, *World for Ransom* is a solid pick for fans of classic thrillers. While not a household name today, its blend of suspense and moral complexity makes it a rewarding watch for viewers who appreciate early Cold War-era intrigue.

How long is World for Ransom?

The runtime for *World for Ransom* is 82 minutes.

About World for Ransom (1954) — Noir Thriller with Dan Duryea and a Stakes-Too-High Plot

Robert Aldrich's gripping noir thriller *World for Ransom (1954)* pulls viewers into the shadowy underbelly of Singapore, where a deadly game of cat and mouse unfolds. Detective Dan Duryea and British authorities race against time to thwart a sinister syndicate that has kidnapped a nuclear physicist, plotting to auction his expertise to the highest bidder—regardless of the global consequences. The film drips with paranoia, moral ambiguity, and the tension of a ticking clock, as each clue uncovers another layer of deception. With sharp dialogue and a noir aesthetic, Aldrich crafts a tense, atmospheric tale where trust is a rare commodity and every kiss might hide a blade.

Starring a powerhouse cast led by Dan Duryea and Gene Lockhart, *World for Ransom* blends drama, action, and thriller elements into a compact 82-minute punch. The story explores themes of betrayal, the ethics of scientific progress, and the lengths to which power-hungry factions will go. Tight pacing and a moody setting make this a must-watch for fans of classic crime films and those who crave a dose of Cold War-era suspense.