Tight Spot 1955
6.6 / 10
Tight Spot
A former model, serving time in prison, becomes a key witness in a trial against a notorious gangster. She is put under protective watch by the District Attorney in a posh hotel, but the crime kingpin makes attempts to get to her. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment, Inc. in 1997.
A former model, serving time in prison, becomes a key witness in a trial against a notorious gangster. She is put under protective watch by the District Attorney in a posh hotel, but the crime kingpin makes attempts to get to her. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment, Inc. in 1997.
Videos & Photos
All 1 Videos & 18 Photos
cast
Full Cast & Crew
... Sherry Conley
... Lloyd Hallett
... Vince Striker
... Prison Girl
... Benjamin Costain
... Mrs. Willoughby
User reviews
See All 1 Reviews23 Jun 2021 by John Chard
All we need now is a well dug grave. Tight Spot is directed by Phil Karlson and adapted to screenplay by William Bowers from the play "Dead Pigeon" written by Leonard Kantor. It stars Ginger Rogers, Edward G. Robinson, Brian Keith, Lorne Green and Eve McVeagh. Music is by George Duning and cinematography by Burnett Guffey. Sherry Conley (Rogers) is offered a way out of her prison term if she agrees to testify as a witness in the trial of mobster Benjamin Costain (Green). Holed up in a hotel room under police protection, Sherry starts to form a close relationship with Lt. Vince Striker (Keith). Just as Costain's hit-men start to close in... Is it noir or not? That's a question that has cropped up quite a bit since Columbia released it as part of their Film Noir Classics III Collection. The presence of Karlson (Kansas City Confidential), Guffey (In A Lonely Place), Bowers (The Mob) and Robinson (Scarlet Street) certainly gives it strong noir credentials on the makers front. What transpires is more crime melodrama than noir, but Tight Spot does feature noir traits. From Guffey's shadows and half lights photography, to the characterisations portrayed by Rogers and Keith, there's enough here to keep the noir faithful replenished. Rogers' performance (casting) has also been much cause for debate, which is understandable as it is a role that could quite easily have been given to better femme fatale actresses of the time. Yet although she takes some getting used to, and that hair cut is just bizarre, Rogers does a nice line in sharp tongued sass, even putting some sexy sizzle in to the bargain during a slow dance sequence with Keith. She does fine work, a bit over theatrical maybe? But she nestles in nicely alongside the strong turns from Keith, Green and Robinson to lift an average story to better heights. Much of the film is set within the confines of one hotel room, which is both a blessing and a curse. At times it works in the film's favour because Karlson is able to wring out some claustrophobia, a real sense of impending threat is evident at times. However, at other times the picture feels just too stage bound, stripping away some of the realistic atmosphere the makers strive for. There's also a problem of tonal shifts as comedy sticks its oar in at regular intervals, including a frequent visit to a hillbilly television show that serves no purpose other than to annoy Keith's increasingly agitated detective. A mixed bag without doubt, and at the half way point some may be wondering what they have let themselves in for? But the cast and makers come through in credit once the second half arrives. Because then we get action, twists and a grand finale. 7/10
Producers:
Release Date:
Mar 19, 1955 (United States)
Run Time:
1hr 37`
MMPA Rating:
NR
Original Language:
English
Production Countries:
United States
Status:
Released
Plot Keywords:
Related Movies To
Tight Spot
All we need now is a well dug grave. Tight Spot is directed by Phil Karlson and adapted to screenplay by William Bowers from the play "Dead Pigeon" written by Leonard Kantor. It stars Ginger Rogers, Edward G. Robinson, Brian Keith, Lorne Green and Eve McVeagh. Music is by George Duning and cinematography by Burnett Guffey. Sherry Conley (Rogers) is offered a way out of her prison term if she agrees to testify as a witness in the trial of mobster Benjamin Costain (Green). Holed up in a hotel room under police protection, Sherry starts to form a close relationship with Lt. Vince Striker (Keith). Just as Costain's hit-men start to close in... Is it noir or not? That's a question that has cropped up quite a bit since Columbia released it as part of their Film Noir Classics III Collection. The presence of Karlson (Kansas City Confidential), Guffey (In A Lonely Place), Bowers (The Mob) and Robinson (Scarlet Street) certainly gives it strong noir credentials on the makers front. What transpires is more crime melodrama than noir, but Tight Spot does feature noir traits. From Guffey's shadows and half lights photography, to the characterisations portrayed by Rogers and Keith, there's enough here to keep the noir faithful replenished. Rogers' performance (casting) has also been much cause for debate, which is understandable as it is a role that could quite easily have been given to better femme fatale actresses of the time. Yet although she takes some getting used to, and that hair cut is just bizarre, Rogers does a nice line in sharp tongued sass, even putting some sexy sizzle in to the bargain during a slow dance sequence with Keith. She does fine work, a bit over theatrical maybe? But she nestles in nicely alongside the strong turns from Keith, Green and Robinson to lift an average story to better heights. Much of the film is set within the confines of one hotel room, which is both a blessing and a curse. At times it works in the film's favour because Karlson is able to wring out some claustrophobia, a real sense of impending threat is evident at times. However, at other times the picture feels just too stage bound, stripping away some of the realistic atmosphere the makers strive for. There's also a problem of tonal shifts as comedy sticks its oar in at regular intervals, including a frequent visit to a hillbilly television show that serves no purpose other than to annoy Keith's increasingly agitated detective. A mixed bag without doubt, and at the half way point some may be wondering what they have let themselves in for? But the cast and makers come through in credit once the second half arrives. Because then we get action, twists and a grand finale. 7/10
Cast & Crew of
Tight Spot
Directors & Credit Writers
... Director
... Assistant Director
Cast
... Sherry Conley
... Lloyd Hallett
... Vince Striker
... Prison Girl
... Benjamin Costain
... Mrs. Willoughby
... Marvin Rickles
... Fred Packer
... Mississippi Mac
... Clara Moran
... Warden (uncredited)
... Miss Masters (uncredited)
... Carlyle (uncredited)
NK
Norman Keats... Arny (uncredited)
... Jim Hornsby (uncredited)
DC
Dean Cromer... Policeman (uncredited)
...
...
... Doctor (uncredited)
...
Produced By
LJR
Lewis J. Rachmil... Producer
Videos & Photos of
Tight Spot
Videos ( 1)
Photos ( 18 )
Related Movies To
Tight Spot
Stranger in the Woods (2024)
0 /10
Olivia and her friends go on a vacation. After Olivia nearly drowns with a slit wrist in her bathtub after her fiancé's funeral, her friends suspect that she tried to kill herself, but she believes someone attacked her.
Run Time: 1hr 22` . MMPA: . Release: 14 Feb 2024
Director: Adam Newacheck
Producer: Daniel Kwon , Ram Paul Silbey , Kyle Newacheck
Stars: Holly Kenney , Paris Nicole , Devon Deshaun Stewart , Brendin Brown , Teddy Spencer , Radek Antczak
The Island (2023)
4.3 /10
When his brother is killed, LAPD officer Mark leaves the city to return to the island he grew up on. Seeking answers and ultimately vengeance, he soon finds himself in a bloody battle with the corrupt tycoon who's taken over the island paradise.
Run Time: 1hr 33` . MMPA: R . Release: 21 Jul 2023
Director: J.R. Von Schondorf , Shaun Paul Piccinino , Tesean Wilkin
Producer: Alastair Burlingham , Lee Beasley , Gary Raskin
Stars: Michael Jai White , Jackson Rathbone , Gillian White , Edoardo Costa , Wayne Gordon , Amber Townsend
Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024)
0 /10
After their late former Captain is framed, Lowrey and Burnett try to clear his name, only to end up on the run themselves.
Run Time: 1hr 55` . MMPA: R . Release: 05 Jun 2024
Director: Greg Rementer , Jeff J.J. Authors , Adil El Arbi
Producer: Chase Paris , Marc Toberoff , Shannon O'Neill
Stars: Will Smith , Martin Lawrence , Rhea Seehorn , Vanessa Hudgens , Alexander Ludwig , Jacob Scipio
Werewolves (2024)
0 /10
A year after a supermoon’s light activated a dormant gene, transforming humans into bloodthirsty werewolves and causing nearly a billion deaths, the nightmare resurfaces as the supermoon rises again. Two scientists attempt to stop the mutation but fail and must now struggle to reach one of their family homes.
Run Time: 1hr 34` . MMPA: R . Release: 04 Dec 2024
Director: Steven C. Miller
Producer: Luis R. Estrella-Rivera , Jimmy Cummings , Michelle Lewitt
Stars: Frank Grillo , Katrina Law , Ilfenesh Hadera , Sam Daly , James Kyson , Lou Diamond Phillips
Fast X (2023)
5.8 /10
Over many missions and against impossible odds, Dom Toretto and his family have outsmarted, out-nerved and outdriven every foe in their path. Now, they confront the most lethal opponent they've ever faced: A terrifying threat emerging from the shadows of the past who's fueled by blood revenge, and who is determined to shatter this family and destroy everything—and everyone—that Dom loves, forever.
Run Time: 2hr 22` . MMPA: PG-13 . Release: 17 May 2023
Director: Zoe Morgan , Spiro Razatos , Nick White
Producer: Matt Craufurd , Mariana Calado , Mark Bomback
Stars: Vin Diesel , Michelle Rodriguez , Tyrese Gibson , Ludacris , John Cena , Nathalie Emmanuel
Out of Exile (2023)
0 /10
Recently paroled thief Gabriel Russell tries to balance his life and mend a troubled family as an FBI agent hunts him down, along with his crew after a botched armored car robbery.
Run Time: 1hr 47` . MMPA: R . Release: 20 Jan 2023
Director: Kyle Kauwika Harris
Producer: Jacob Snovel , Karrie Cox , Kelley Gann
Stars: Adam Hampton , Karrie Cox , Kyle Jacob Henry , Ryan Merriman , Peter Greene , Hayley McFarland
xXx (2002)
5.8 /10
Xander Cage is your standard adrenaline junkie with no fear and a lousy attitude. When the US Government "recruits" him to go on a mission, he's not exactly thrilled. His mission: to gather information on an organization that may just be planning the destruction of the world, led by the nihilistic Yorgi.
Run Time: 2hr 4` . MMPA: PG-13 . Release: 09 Aug 2002
Director: Jules Stewart , Rob Cohen , M. James Arnett
Producer: Michal Engrth , Michelle Purple , Sande Alessi
Stars: Vin Diesel , Asia Argento , Samuel L. Jackson , Leila Arcieri , Marton Csokas , Eve
Arena Wars (2024)
0 /10
In 2045 convicted criminals are given the opportunity to compete on the world's #1 televised sporting event, Arena Wars. They must survive 7 rooms and 7 of the most vicious killers in the country. If they win, they regain their freedom.
Run Time: 1hr 36` . MMPA: . Release: 25 Jun 2024
Director: Brandon Slagle
Producer: Jeffrey J. Ellen , Omar Parker , Michael Mahal
Stars: Michael Madsen , Eric Roberts , Robert LaSardo , John Wells , Kevin Hager , BJ Mezek
Crypto Legacy (2020)
2.5 /10
Troy Morgan doesn't like his family's farm. The place creeps him out. After spotting some strange lights one evening, Troy and his little sister Carrie go to investigate the creepy barn.
Run Time: 1hr 11` . MMPA: . Release: 01 Oct 2020
Director: Charles Townsend
Producer: Charles Townsend
Stars: Sheri Gill Dixon , Brian Kunz , Brandon Young , Nathaniel Barton , Linzi Gray , Thalia Reynolds
Aftermath (2024)
0 /10
A returning war veteran, stricken with PTSD, gets trapped with his teenage sister on Boston's Tobin Memorial Bridge when a heavily armed group of ex-military revolutionaries take everyone hostage.
Run Time: 1hr 35` . MMPA: R . Release: 27 Sep 2024
Director: Patrick Lussier
Producer: Brett Duffy , Lucas Jarach , Jason Pinardo
Stars: Mason Gooding , Dylan Sprouse , Dichen Lachman , Megan Stott , Kevin Chapman , Will Lyman
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
9.3 /10
Imprisoned in the 1940s for the double murder of his wife and her lover, upstanding banker Andy Dufresne begins a new life at the Shawshank prison, where he puts his accounting skills to work for an amoral warden. During his long stretch in prison, Dufresne comes to be admired by the other inmates -- including an older prisoner named Red -- for his integrity and unquenchable sense of hope.
Run Time: 2hr 22` . MMPA: R . Release: 23 Sep 1994
Director: Michael Greenwood , Thomas Schellenberg , Frank Darabont
Producer: Beth Hickman , David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick , Julie Lichter
Stars: Tim Robbins , Morgan Freeman , Bob Gunton , William Sadler , Clancy Brown , Gil Bellows
Remnant (2024)
0 /10
Grace is a young woman whose life has been turned upside down by tragedy. When she returns home to the family farm to rebuild her shattered life, her world begins to unravel as a series of strange events haunt her, pushing Grace to the edge of madness. A mysterious figure lurks in the shadows and a ghostly woman appears in the darkness of night. Is Grace imagining these apparitions, or are they a warning of a nightmare still to come?
Run Time: 1hr 52` . MMPA: . Release: 30 Jun 2024
Director: Mike Horan
Producer:
Stars: Nicole Pritchard , Shaun Robert Foley , Tsu Shan Chambers , Remi Webster , Megan Bell , Martin Ashley Jones