The Walking Target

A hidden gem from the annals of 1960s cinema, The Walking Target is a thrilling crime drama that sinks its hooks into the audience right from the start and never lets go. Developed under the direction of Edward L. Cahn, it brings together reputable stars of the era such as Joan Evans, Ron Foster, and Merry Anders for a memorable cinematic journey.

The storyline is centered around the character of Nick Harbin (played by Ron Foster), a convict who has just been released after spending five years in prison for masterminding a robbery of $200,000. Harbin choose to reform his life and leaves his criminal past behind. His efforts towards honesty and sincerity attract the attention and eventual affection of Susan (played by Joan Evans), which adds a romantic undertone to the drama. Amid this personal journey of change and reformation, the shadowy allure of Nick Harbin’s criminal past hangs ominously.

The stolen money from the robbery was never recovered and the lure of the missing cash attracts characters with dark ambitions into Harbin's world. An array of crooks, thugs, and corrupt cops begin to pursue Harbin, convinced he knows where the money is hidden - a steadfast belief even though he continues to insist he has no knowledge of its whereabouts. With the constant danger and the uneasy feeling of being watched, Nick Harbin becomes "The Walking Target".

Merry Anders stars as Gail Russo, a sultry nightclub singer, who is also entangled in the gritty tale of this elusive money treasure. Despite her own secrets, she too, becomes impacted by Harbin's determined stance to leave his past where it belongs - behind him. The subplots and wild-card characters, each tethered to the mystery of the missing money, make for an intense ride.

This film successfully combines the themes of redemption, deceit, greed, and love to flesh out a story that is as compelling as it is intense. Harbin's character development is a sight to behold. Foster brings a nuanced and layered portrayal of a man craving a fresh start in a world desperate to pull him back into its criminal underbelly. His struggle to stay true to his new path, while the specter of his past constantly threatens to pull him under, forms the emotional crux of the movie.

Playing the love interest, Joan Evans is at her very best. She presents a multi-dimensional character who is caught between her growing feelings for a man with a dubious past and the moral struggle of distinguishing right from wrong. Her performance adds much-needed emotional depth and acts as an effective moral compass in an otherwise morally ambiguous setting.

As Gail, Anders provides a stark contrast and a mirror to Harbin's desire to escape the past. While he is trying to run away from it, she is firmly entrenched, battling her own demons and secrets, and is trapped between loyalty and self-preservation. Her portrayal adds further intrigue to an already complex narrative.

Edward L. Cahn's direction shines throughout, with keen attention to the details of suspense and intrigue. The film’s pace is its major strength - it continually intensifies, incrementally ratcheting up the suspense. From the hushed conversations in dimly lit rooms to the high-speed chases, every scene propels the narrative forward, holding viewers on edge.

The movie gladly does not over-indulge in violence or car chases. Rather, it cleverly relies on old-school suspense tactics – impending danger, tense situations, and complex betrayals – to keep the audience engaged throughout. The cinematography provides a gloriously grainy look at the underbelly of city life in the 60s, while the remarkable soundtrack deepens the atmosphere of suspense and thrill.

In conclusion, The Walking Target is a movie steeped in suspense, and complex characters each nursing their hidden secrets and personal ambitions. Director Edward L. Cahn does an excellent job of creating an environment of tension and vulnerability, while the performances by Ron Foster, Joan Evans, and Merry Anders create a compelling storyline and multidimensional characters that the audience can invest in.