The Sniper (1952 film)
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| The Sniper | |
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| Directed by | Edward Dmytryk |
| Produced by | Stanley Kramer |
| Written by | Edna Anhalt Edward Anhalt (story) Harry Brown |
| Starring | Adolphe Menjou Arthur Franz Gerald Mohr |
| Music by | George Antheil |
| Cinematography | Burnett Guffey |
| Editing by | Aaron Stell |
| Distributed by | Columbia Pictures |
| Release date(s) | May 9, 1952 (U.S. release) |
| Running time | 87 min. |
| Language | English |
| IMDb profile | |
The Sniper is a 1952 black-and-white B-movie. The film, considered film noir, was directed by Edward Dmytryk based on the story by Edna and Edward Anhalt. The film marks blacklist victim Dmytryk's return to directing from political exile in England and a jail term in the U.S.
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[edit] Plot
A San Francisco delivery man, Eddie Miller, struggles with his hatred of the women. He's especially bothered by seeing women with their lovers. Miller knows he's sick, and out of despair, Miller self-inflicts burns on his right hand holding it over a stove. The doctor treating the wound in an emergency room suspects he might need psychological help, but then gets too busy to follow through. He starts a killing spree as a sniper - shooting woman from far distances. In an attempt to get caught, Miller writes anonymous letters to the police begging them to stop him. As the killings continue, a psychologist has the keys to finding the killer.
[edit] Critical reaction
Reviews of the film are mostly positive. Channel 4's review of the film states: "A little dated now, especially the nervous documentary-style camerawork which soon outstays its welcome, The Sniper's thriller mechanics nevertheless work efficiently, while Franz's psycho is uncannily convincing."
[edit] Awards
The film was nominated for Best Writing, Motion Picture Story at the 1953 Academy Awards.
[edit] Cast
Marie Windsor plays the snipers first victim, Marlo Dwyer as the second while an uncredited Wally Cox plays a bit part as a restaurant dishwasher.
- Adolphe Menjou as Police Lt. Frank Kafka
- Arthur Franz as Eddie Miller
- Gerald Mohr as Police Sgt. Joe Ferris
- Marie Windsor as Jean Darr
- Frank Faylen as Police Insp. Anderson
- Richard Kiley as Dr. James G. Kent
- Marlo Dwyer as May Nelson
