"Three gunmen, who have been hired to assassinate the President, hold a family hostage while waiting for their target. Interesting B film which focuses on psychopathic killer well-portrayed against type by Frank Sinatra." - noir expert Spencer Selby.
A small town is scarred only by sherriff Tod Shaw's unsuccessful courtship of Ellen Beuson, a pacitist who can't abide guns and those who use them. But violence descends on Ellen's household willy-nilly when the U.S. President passes through the town... and slightly psycho hired assassin John Baron finds the Benson home ideal for an ambush.
Cast (in credits order) verified as complete
Frank Sinatra ....John Baron
Sterling Hayden ....Sheriff Tod Shaw, Suddenly California
James Gleason....Peter ('Pop') Benson
Nancy Gates ....Ellen Benson
Kim Charney ....Peter Benson III (Pidge)
Paul Frees ....Benny Conklin, Baron's Accomplice (also uncredited TV announcer voice)
Christopher Dark ....Bart Wheeler
Willis Bouchey....Dan Carney, Chief Secret Service Agent
Paul Wexler ....Deputy Slim Adams, Suddenly Police Dept.
James O'Hara ....Jud Kelly (as Jim Lilburn)
Ken Dibbs ....Wilson (as Ken Dibbs)
Clark Howat....Haggerty
Charles Smith ....Bebop
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
John Beradino ....Trooper (uncredited)
Richard Collier ....Ed Hawkins, station agent (uncredited)
Roy Engel ....Motorist Seeking Directions, opening shot (uncredited)
Ted Stanhope ....Motorist Seeking Directions, final shot (uncredited)
Charles Wagenheim ....Iz Kaplan, gas station operator (uncredited)
Dan White ....Desk Officer Burg (uncredited)
Directed by Lewis Allen
Writing credits: Richard Sale
Produced by Robert Bassler
Original Music by David Raksin
Cinematography by Charles G. Clarke
Production Company: Libra Productions Inc.
Audio/Visual: sound, b&w
Run time: 77 minutes
