Thriller,Drama
United States of America
The Killer Is Loose is a 1956 film noir directed by Budd Boetticher. The film stars Joseph Cotten as Sam Wagner, the detective who accidentally kills the wife of bank robber Leon Poole (played by Wendell Corey). The film also stars Rhonda Fleming as Wagner's wife, Lizabeth Scott as Poole's accomplice and love interest, and Alan Hale Jr. as one of Wagner's fellow detectives.
After Poole is sentenced to prison for his role in the bank robbery, his wife gives Wagner information that helps him recover the stolen money - but in the process, Poole's wife is killed. Poole vows revenge and escapes from prison, going on a mission to find and kill Wagner and his wife.
The film is notable for its intense and tense climax, which takes place in the mountains of California as Poole hunts down the Wagners. The film has been praised for its strong performances, especially from Corey as the villainous Poole.
Despite the dark subject matter, The Killer Is Loose does feature some moments of humor, particularly in the interactions between Wagner's fellow detectives and his wife. The film's atmospheric use of light and shadow, as well as its tense score, add to the overall sense of danger and suspense.
