Cry Terror!

Cry Terror! is a 1958 classic thriller directed by veteran filmmaker Andrew L. Stone, boasting a heavyweight cast including James Mason, Rod Steiger, Inger Stevens, and Angie Dickinson. This film delivers an engaging blend of suspense, crime, and melodrama that continues to draw appreciation from vintage film fanatics.

Renowned actor James Mason plays the role of Jim Molner, a suburban husband, father, and electronic whiz. The character is a regular Joe plunged into an unfathomable world of suspense and terror. As he's drawn deeper into the storm of crime surrounding him, the layers of his character unfold, revealing the tenacity and courage hidden beneath his everyday demeanor. James Mason, with his impressive acting prowess, delivers an intense and compelling performance, firmly holding the audience's interest.

Inger Stevens complements Mason's performance beautifully as Joan Molner, his wife. Together, they constitute a picture-perfect suburban family that is thrust into precarious circumstances. Stevens provides an emotional depth to her character, combining vulnerability and strength that resonates deeply with viewers.

Rod Steiger, playing the role of Paul Hoplin, the villainous mastermind, is utterly convincing. With cold calculative eyes, a sinister grin, and a callous disregard for human life, Steiger's performance is bone-chilling. Curiously enough, his chilling portrayal makes Hoplin a mesmerizing character despite his malicious intentions.

Angie Dickinson adds another dimension to the movie as the femme fatale Eileen Kelly. Dickinson's character swings between a cynical accomplice and a damsel caught in the conflict between her conscience and her loyalty to the menacing Paul Hoplin.

Cry Terror! stands tall as an early precursor to the modern thriller genre. The movie is steeped in tension and suspense from the offset. The Molner's idyllic suburban life is disrupted when they get entwined in a convoluted plot devised by criminals intending to secure a ransom by planting a bomb on an airplane. The film cleverly applies the trope of a ticking time-bomb, both literally and metaphorically, to ratchet up the tension and keep viewers at the edge of their seats.

Director Andrew Stone displays innovative storytelling, as the narrative unfolds between the torment faced by the Molners, the cold-blooded scheming of the criminals, and the relentless pursuit of law enforcement. Smooth camera work, sharp editing, and moody lighting create an atmosphere fraught with danger and uncertainty. The visual storytelling and Stone's adept handling of this ensemble of talents make this film an exercise in asserting the narrative possibilities of the thriller genre.

The film also makes potent use of sound to heighten the sense of danger and urgency. The stirring score complements the escalating tension and the sound of ticking clocks and ringing telephones underline the developing suspense.

Apart from its riveting plot and seamless direction, Cry Terror! is also a masterclass in character-driven storytelling. Each character, be it the resourceful Jim Molner, the tormented Joan, the chilling Paul Hoplin, or the wily Eileen Kelly, adds layers to the narrative and drives the suspense forward. More than mere placeholders, each character has a role that becomes integral to the story's progression.

Set in the backdrop of the late 50s urban landscape, Cry Terror! also showcases an era of fashion, lifestyle, and social norms that would fascinate the modern viewer. On one hand, it paints a quaint picture of the quintessential American family, on the other, it provides a glimpse into the dark underbelly of crime.

In summary, Cry Terror! offers a unique blend of suspense, exemplary performances, and gritty storytelling. While the film primarily hinges on its suspense and thriller elements, the stellar performance by the ensemble cast and the film's striking visual and sonic elements offer an immersive viewing experience. This classic 1958 gem encapsulates the magic and intensity of suspense thrillers that continues to enthrall viewers to this day.