Watch Cry Terror!

Cry Terror! is a suspenseful crime thriller that was released in 1958. Starring James Mason, Rod Steiger, and Inger Stevens, it tells the story of a group of criminals who hatch a chilling plan to extort a large sum of money from the United States government by planting a bomb in the luggage compartment of a commercial airliner. Directed by Andrew L. Stone, the film opens with the introduction of the two masterminds behind the scheme, Paul Hofer (Mason) and his henchman, Frank McNally (Steiger). After recruiting a small team of accomplices, the plan is set into motion. The gang abducts the wife (Stevens) of a wealthy businessman, Tom Farmer (Kenneth Tobey), to ensure his cooperation. They force him to place a suitcase containing a powerful bomb on board a flight from New York to Los Angeles.

As the flight takes off, tension mounts as the gang waits anxiously for news of their deadly plot. Meanwhile, Farmer struggles to find a way to alert the authorities without endangering his wife's life. With time running out, the film builds to a gripping climax as the plane approaches its destination.

Throughout the film, the tension is expertly maintained as the characters struggle to contain their fear and desperation. Mason is particularly convincing as the cold and calculating Hofer, whose motives are gradually revealed as the plot unfolds. His portrayal of the ruthless criminal is both chilling and mesmerizing. Steiger, who was nominated for an Academy Award for his role, delivers a strong performance as McNally, a man tormented by his conscience.

Inger Stevens plays the role of Joan Miller, the kidnapped wife of Farmer. Her character is strong and resilient, refusing to succumb to the terror of her situation. She manages to find a weakness in her captors and uses it to her advantage. Stevens' portrayal of Miller is nuanced and convincing, particularly in the moments where she is alone with her captors.

The supporting cast also delivers strong performances, with Tobey as Farmer being particularly noteworthy. His desperation to save his wife is palpable, and it is a credit to Tobey's acting skills that the audience shares his sense of urgency.

The film is expertly shot, with tension building through a combination of tight close-ups and sweeping camera movements. The use of light and shadow is particularly effective in conveying the mood of the film, with the shadowy underworld of the criminals contrasted against the bright, reassuring world of the airplane passengers.

One of Cry Terror!'s biggest strengths is its emphasis on character and motive. The audience is given insight into the personal lives of both the criminals and their victims, which raises the emotional stakes of the film. This is particularly apparent in the scenes involving Farmer and his family, which add a human element to the story.

Overall, Cry Terror! is an expertly crafted and gripping crime thriller. The tension is expertly maintained throughout, with the strong performances from the cast contributing to the film's success. The emphasis on character and motive elevates the film beyond a simple action-thriller, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre.

Cry Terror! is a 1958 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.