Key Witness Poster

Key Witness 1960

★ 6.94 votes82 min📅 1960-10-06

"Marked for Death-Because He Knew Too Much!"

In the neon-drenched streets of 1960s Los Angeles, an ordinary man becomes the target of a brutal gang when he stumbles upon a crime scene while looking for a payphone.

Director: Phil Karlson

Cast

Jeffrey Hunter
Jeffrey Hunter
Fred Morrow
Pat Crowley
Pat Crowley
Ann Morrow
Dennis Hopper
Dennis Hopper
William "Cowby" Tomkins
Joby Baker
Joby Baker
Muggles
Susan Harrison
Susan Harrison
Ruby
Johnny Nash
Johnny Nash
Apple
Corey Allen
Corey Allen
Magician
Frank Silvera
Frank Silvera
Det. Rafael Torno
Bruce Gordon
Bruce Gordon
Arthur Robbins
Terry Burnham
Terry Burnham
Gloria Morrow

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Key Witness (1960) about?

A Los Angeles man inadvertently witnesses a gangland murder and becomes the sole target of a violent cover-up. When he tries to do the right thing by helping police, he faces relentless intimidation from the criminals who will do anything to keep him quiet.

Who directed Key Witness?

The film was helmed by prolific director Phil Karlson, known for his sharp crime dramas and socially conscious storytelling.

Who stars in Key Witness?

The cast includes Jeffrey Hunter as the courageous witness, Pat Crowley as his supportive ally, and Dennis Hopper as a dangerous antagonist.

Is Key Witness (1960) worth watching?

With its tight 82-minute runtime and compelling blend of crime and drama, *Key Witness* offers a gripping story of survival and justice. Though unrated, its themes and tension make it a solid pick for fans of classic noir-style thrillers.

How long is Key Witness?

The film runs for 82 minutes, making it a brisk and engaging watch.

🎥 Trailer

About Key Witness (1960) — A Gritty Crime Thriller of One Man's Fight for Survival

In the neon-drenched streets of 1960s Los Angeles, an ordinary man becomes the target of a brutal gang when he stumbles upon a crime scene while looking for a payphone. As the only witness brave enough to step forward, he thrusts himself into the crosshairs of a ruthless underworld determined to silence him. Phil Karlson's *Key Witness (1960)* delivers a taut crime thriller where morality clashes with survival in a city that feels as dangerous as it does glamorous.

Starring Jeffrey Hunter as the reluctant hero and Dennis Hopper as a menacing presence on the wrong side of the law, this compact yet gripping drama explores themes of justice, fear, and the cost of speaking out. With its lean runtime and tense atmosphere, the film captures the paranoia of a man hunted for doing the right thing, blending crime suspense with the gritty realism of mid-century urban life.