The Desperate Hours Poster

The Desperate Hours 1967

★ 4.02 votes120 min📅 1967-12-13

In *The Desperate Hours (1967)*, directed by Ted Kotcheff, a quiet suburban life shatters when escaped convicts Glenn Griffin and his volatile brother Hank invade the Hilliard family's home.

Director: Ted Kotcheff

Cast

Michael Conrad
Michael Conrad
Sam Robish
Arthur Hill
Arthur Hill
Dan Hilliard
Yvette Mimieux
Yvette Mimieux
Cindy Hilliard
Barry Primus
Barry Primus
Hank Griffin
George Segal
George Segal
Glenn Griffin
Dolph Sweet
Dolph Sweet
Jesse Bard
Ralph Waite
Ralph Waite
Lt. Fredericks
Teresa Wright
Teresa Wright
Eleanor Hilliard
Michael Kearney
Ralphie Hilliard
Graham Jarvis
Graham Jarvis

Frequently Asked Questions

What is *The Desperate Hours* (1967) about?

*The Desperate Hours* follows the Hilliard family as their suburban sanctuary becomes a nightmare when escaped convicts Glenn Griffin and his brother Hank invade their home. As the criminals turn increasingly violent, the Hilliards must use wit and courage to outlast the siege and reclaim their lives.

Who directed *The Desperate Hours*?

The film was directed by Ted Kotcheff, known for his work in both television and cinema, including later films like *First Blood*.

Who stars in *The Desperate Hours*?

The movie features an ensemble cast led by George Segal, Arthur Hill, and Yvette Mimieux, with strong supporting performances from Michael Conrad and Dolph Sweet.

Is *The Desperate Hours* (1967) worth watching?

As a 1960s psychological thriller, *The Desperate Hours* holds up well with its tight pacing and compelling performances. Fans of tense, character-driven dramas will appreciate its gritty realism and suspenseful atmosphere.

How long is *The Desperate Hours*?

The film has a runtime of 120 minutes, allowing ample time to build tension and character depth.

About The Desperate Hours (1967) — A gripping 1960s thriller about home invasion and survival

In *The Desperate Hours (1967)*, directed by Ted Kotcheff, a quiet suburban life shatters when escaped convicts Glenn Griffin and his volatile brother Hank invade the Hilliard family's home. What begins as a tense standoff escalates into a psychological battleground, where fear and desperation clash with family loyalty. The film masterfully blends drama and thriller elements, weaving themes of survival, authority, and the fragility of safety. With a claustrophobic atmosphere and relentless tension, *The Desperate Hours* keeps viewers on edge as the Hilliards fight to outmaneuver their increasingly unhinged captors.

Based on a gripping premise, the movie explores the raw emotions of ordinary people thrust into extraordinary danger. George Segal stars as Dan Hilliard, the family patriarch, alongside Arthur Hill and Yvette Mimieux, whose performances ground the chaos in humanity. The film's intense pacing and moral dilemmas make it a standout example of 1960s psychological thrillers, offering a visceral look at the lengths people will go to protect their home and loved ones.