The Thirteenth Hour (1947) | Directed by William Clemens

The Thirteenth Hour (1947) is a classic American film noir mystery directed by William Clemens. The story follows truck driver Steve Reynolds, played by Richard Dix, who finds himself framed for murder after a robbery. With time running out, he must clear his name and uncover the real culprit before he is arrested.

Genre: Film Noir, Mystery

Star Cast:
- Richard Dix as Steve Reynolds
- Karen Morley as Eileen Mayhew
- John Kellogg as Freddie "The Kid" Lynch
- Jim Bannon as Johnny Martin

Director: William Clemens

William Clemens was known for directing a variety of B-movies during the 1930s and 1940s, often specializing in mysteries and thrillers. His career includes several entries in popular mystery series like the Nancy Drew and Perry Mason films, showcasing his skill in crafting tense, suspenseful atmospheres with tight budgets. Though Clemens wasn’t a widely known name in Hollywood, his work contributed to the success of Warner Bros.’ mystery and thriller genres during the Golden Age of cinema.

Public Reaction: At the time of its release, The Thirteenth Hour received mixed to positive reviews. Fans of film noir praised its tense atmosphere and Dix’s performance as the wrongly accused protagonist. The movie didn't become a major hit, but it was appreciated by audiences who enjoyed suspense and crime dramas of the 1940s. Over time, it has gained a modest fanbase among classic film noir enthusiasts.