'Short Cut To Hell' (1957) Movie of Book by Graham Greene

'Short Cut to Hell' is a crime thriller directed by James Cagney in his only outing as a film director. It is a remake of the classic 1942 film This Gun for Hire, which was itself based on Graham Greene’s 1936 novel A Gun for Sale. The film follows a cold-blooded hitman who finds himself ensnared in a dangerous game of betrayal, revenge, and pursuit.

Plot Summary: The story revolves around professional assassin Kyle Niles (played by Robert Ivers), a ruthless and efficient contract killer. Hired by crime boss Bahrwell (Rod Steiger) to eliminate two associates who have become liabilities, Niles carries out the job with precision. However, instead of paying him as promised, Bahrwell double-crosses him, setting Niles up to take the fall for the murders.

Enraged by the betrayal, Niles seeks revenge and kidnaps a police detective’s fiancée, Glory Hamilton (Georgann Johnson), using her as leverage to escape capture. As the police hunt him down, Glory begins to see glimpses of humanity beneath Niles’ cold demeanor, though his violent nature remains dominant. The tension escalates as the authorities close in, leading to a dramatic and fatal showdown.

Themes and Style: Like its predecessors, Short Cut to Hell explores themes of betrayal, fatalism, and morality. Niles, much like Greene’s original anti-hero Raven, is not a typical villain but rather a tragic figure shaped by his circumstances. He is both ruthless and vulnerable, caught in a world where trust is a weakness and survival depends on violence.

Cagney’s direction focuses on suspense and character-driven storytelling, though the film lacks the noir aesthetic and emotional depth of This Gun for Hire. Instead, it adopts a more straightforward crime-thriller style, relying on action and tension rather than psychological complexity.

Reception and Legacy: Upon release, Short Cut to Hell received mixed reviews. While it had a strong narrative foundation thanks to Greene’s original story, critics felt it lacked the stylistic flair and atmosphere of the 1942 adaptation. Ivers' performance as Niles was often compared unfavorably to Alan Ladd’s portrayal of Raven in This Gun for Hire, with many finding him less compelling.

As James Cagney’s sole directorial effort, the film is an interesting curiosity, but it remains one of the lesser-known adaptations of Greene’s work. While not as influential as its predecessor, it still offers a solid crime drama with moments of tension and intrigue.

Final Thoughts: Short Cut to Hell is a competent but unremarkable adaptation of Greene’s A Gun for Sale. It tells a compelling story of betrayal and revenge but lacks the depth and visual style of previous versions. For fans of classic crime films or Greene’s storytelling, it is an interesting watch but not essential viewing.