Death in Small Doses 1957
"...the picture that crosses the forbidden territory...of THRILL PILLS!"
In *Death in Small Doses (1957)*, director Joseph M. Newman crafts a tense, atmospheric thriller that dives into the dark underbelly of mid-century America.
Director: Joseph M. Newman
Cast
Peter Graves
Agent / Tom Kaylor
Mala Powers
Valerie 'Val' Owens
Chuck Connors
Mink Reynolds
Merry Anders
Amy 'Miss Diesel of 1958' Phillips
Roy Engel
Wally Morse
Robert B. Williams
'Dunc' Clayton
Harry Lauter
Steve Hummel / Mr. Brown
Pete Kooy
Payson
Robert Christopher
Lennie Owens
Gordon Armitage
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *Death in Small Doses* (1957) about?
*Death in Small Doses* is a hard-hitting drama-thriller that follows a federal investigator as he uncovers a web of amphetamine abuse among long-haul truck drivers. The film exposes the perilous consequences of stimulant use behind the wheel, blending crime, suspense, and social critique. Its tight runtime keeps the story relentless and focused on the human toll of addiction.
Who directed *Death in Small Doses*?
The film was directed by Joseph M. Newman, a filmmaker known for his work in crime and noir-style thrillers during the 1950s.
Who stars in *Death in Small Doses*?
The cast includes Peter Graves as the lead investigator, alongside Mala Powers, Chuck Connors, Merry Anders, and Roy Engel.
Is *Death in Small Doses* (1957) worth watching?
While it's not a widely known classic, *Death in Small Doses* offers a gripping snapshot of 1950s social issues and delivers solid suspense for fans of noir and crime dramas. Its short runtime makes it an easy pick for a tense, old-school mystery.
How long is *Death in Small Doses*?
The film runs for 79 minutes.
About Death in Small Doses (1957) — A gripping 1950s thriller exposing drug abuse in the trucking industry
In *Death in Small Doses (1957)*, director Joseph M. Newman crafts a tense, atmospheric thriller that dives into the dark underbelly of mid-century America. The film follows a determined government agent as he infiltrates the shadowy world of long-haul truckers, uncovering a dangerous epidemic of illegal amphetamine use behind the wheel. With the neon glow of roadside diners and the hum of diesel engines as its backdrop, the movie blends suspense with social commentary, exposing the human cost of addiction and exploitation in an industry on the move. Peter Graves delivers a compelling lead performance, embodying the moral conflict between duty and danger, while Mala Powers and Chuck Connors add layers of tension and intrigue.
As the stakes rise, the film's gritty realism and sharp dialogue draw viewers into a high-stakes investigation that questions who's really in control—corporations, criminals, or the desperate drivers caught in the middle. A product of its time, *Death in Small Doses* reflects the era's anxieties about pharmaceuticals and the unseen dangers lurking in everyday life.
