Act of Violence
Seen it?1949 | 82 min | Thriller, Drama
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (94% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office loss. 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 anyone who likes to be kept guessing. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Tense.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 22 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1949: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
A former prisoner of war, Frank Enley is hailed as a hero in his California town. However, Frank has a shameful secret that comes back to haunt him when fellow survivor Joe Parkson emerges, intent on making Frank pay for his past deeds.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
94% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
6.9 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$1 million worldwide on a $1 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 36K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Fred Zinnemann
- Van HeflinFrank R. Enley
- Robert RyanJoe Parkson
- Janet LeighEdith Enley
- Mary AstorPat
- Phyllis ThaxterAnn Sturgess
- Berry KroegerJohnny
- Taylor HolmesGavery
- Harry AntrimFred Finney
- Connie GilchristMartha Finney
- Will WrightPop