14 Hours
From the edge of the ledge he defied them all!
Film noir, a classic film style of the 40s and 50s, is noted for its dark themes, stark camera angles, and high-contrast lighting. Comprising many of Hollywood’s finest films, film noir tells realistic stories about crime, mystery, femmes fatales and conflict.
This compelling suspense drama spends its time with a tormented young man (Richard Basehart) as he teeters on a New York hotel's 15th floor window ledge deciding whether or not to jump. Paul Douglas plays a traffic cop, the first officer on the scene, and through his gentle, compassionate talk, he becomes the only one the man on the ledge trusts. He certainly doesn't trust his mother (Agnes Moorehead) or ex-fiancée (Barbara Bel Geddes). The crowd below is mesmerized and for some, the fourteen hours that follow will change their lives forever. This film is notable for the film debut of Grace Kelly in a small role.
Member Reviews
Paul Douglas was great! - frankenstein
This movie was a pleasant surprise, high drama and great filming- the acting was great , especially the cop character dome by Paul Douglas . Intense psychological drama with a great physical setting in NYC . Also the short but memorable presence of Grace Kelly adds another element to the film.A brilliantly done film! - Moir
This was a wonderful surprise, not because it was 'good' but because it seemed so utterly marvellous it was almost magical. The way the film fit together, how the actors did their stuff, even the 'depth' of background expressions, body language, movements, the story unfolding on the screen..., the impression of a world created/ drawn with such deft energy and economy.
I am so grateful to Martin Scorcese's remarks in his discussion of American films about how much he admired some of the 'B' films and directors like Douglas Sirk and Nicholas Ray, among others, so that I began to look at films - like this one directed by Henry Hathaway - I had not even thought of looking at before.
There were so many very talented people in American films who at times did incredible work.
Tabobo's review caught how gripping this film was for me also. I would give it the highest recommendation.On the Edge - TaBobo
I really enjoyed this one and while it is a film noir, it really doesn't have much of noir feel. It's more of a great drama.
I found my self on the edge of my seat several times, enraptured by the intensity.
This must be amongst the best of the Fox Noir Film series. I highly recommend picking this one up.
Member Reviews
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Paul Douglas was great! - frankenstein
This movie was a pleasant surprise, high drama and great filming- the acting was great , especially the cop character dome by Paul Douglas . Intense psychological drama with a great physical setting in NYC . Also the short but memorable presence of Grace Kelly ...A brilliantly done film! - Moir
This was a wonderful surprise, not because it was 'good' but because it seemed so utterly marvellous it was almost magical. The way the film fit together, how the actors did their stuff, even the 'depth' of background expressions, body language, movements, ...On the Edge - TaBobo
I really enjoyed this one and while it is a film noir, it really doesn't have much of noir feel. It's more of a great drama.
I found my self on the edge of my seat several times, enraptured by the intensity.
This must be amongst the best of the ...