Monday Morning Maybe

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Poster for The Desperate Hours

The Desperate Hours

Seen it?

1955 | 112 min | Crime, Thriller

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (88% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office and little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for crime fans and anyone who likes to be kept guessing. If you loved Panic Room or Dead Man's Wire, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Tense, gritty.
The pace
Fast-moving, at 1 hr 52 min.
What might put you off
  • Made in 1955: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Escaped convicts terrorize a suburban family they're holding hostage.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    88% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.1 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $3 million worldwide on a $2 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 29K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by William Wyler

  • Humphrey BogartGlenn Griffin
  • Fredric MarchDaniel C. Hilliard
  • Arthur KennedyDeputy Sheriff Jesse Bard
  • Martha ScottEleanor 'Ellie' Hilliard
  • Dewey MartinHal Griffin
  • Gig YoungChuck Wright
  • Mary MurphyCynthia 'Cindy' Hilliard
  • Richard EyerRalph Hilliard
  • Robert MiddletonSam Kobish
  • Bert FreedTom Winston