Watch Born to Kill
- Approved
- 1947
- 1 hr 32 min
-
7.2 (6,284)
Born to Kill is a classic film noir from 1947 that features a cast of talented actors, including Claire Trevor, Lawrence Tierney, and Walter Slezak. The story follows the character of Helen Brent (played by Claire Trevor), a beautiful woman who is newly divorced and looking to start a new life in Reno. While in Reno, Helen meets the charming and enigmatic Sam Wilde (played by Lawrence Tierney), a man with a murkier past than he initially lets on. Sam is in town to visit his friend and former flame, Mildred (played by Elisha Cook Jr.). However, things take a dark turn when Helen and Sam begin an ill-fated and dangerous romance, fueled by their mutual attraction and a shared penchant for violence.
As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Sam is a cold-blooded killer with a twisted sense of morality. He manages to charm his way into the lives of the people around him, including Helen and her roommate, Laury (played by Isabel Jewell). He also begins to manipulate and deceive his way into a position of power in Reno's criminal underworld.
Meanwhile, a private detective named Arnett (played by Walter Slezak) is investigating the murders that Sam is suspected of committing. Arnett is a shrewd and observant investigator who is determined to uncover the truth about Sam's crimes, no matter the cost.
The tension in Born to Kill is palpable from start to finish, as the characters' motivations and desires continually clash with one another. The film captures the atmosphere of film noir perfectly, with its shadowy cinematography, dark and moody score, and morally ambiguous characters.
Claire Trevor's portrayal of Helen is particularly noteworthy, as she navigates a complex emotional landscape throughout the film. Helen is torn between her attraction to Sam and her disgust at his violent tendencies, as well as her own past mistakes and moral failings.
Lawrence Tierney's performance as Sam is also memorable, as he exudes a powerful and dangerous charisma that draws people in despite their better judgment. The relationship between Sam and Helen is one of the film's central themes, highlighting the dangerous allure of forbidden love and the destructive power of desire.
Overall, Born to Kill is a must-see for fans of classic film noir. It's a dark and challenging exploration of human nature, one that lingers in the mind long after the final credits roll. With its talented cast, slick filmmaking, and compelling storyline, it's a testament to the enduring power of the genre.
Born to Kill is a 1947 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.