The Desperate Hours Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Escaped convicts decide to redecorate a suburban home with guns and anxiety, discovering that mid-century modern doesn’t mesh well with hostage situations.

🍿 The Desperate Hours: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Escape and the Hideout

Glenn Griffin, along with his brother Hal and fellow inmate Sam Kobish, escape from prison. They seek refuge in a seemingly random house in Indianapolis, belonging to the Hilliard family: Dan, Ellie, their daughter Cindy, and young son Ralphy. Glenn’s plan is to lay low until his girlfriend arrives with money, but delays force a longer stay.

Tension and Control

Dan Hilliard attempts to navigate the dangerous situation, aware that any misstep could endanger his family. The criminals exert their control, dictating the family’s movements and interactions. A constant undercurrent of fear permeates the household as the Hilliards try to maintain a facade of normalcy.

External Pressures

As the situation escalates, external factors threaten to unravel Glenn’s plan. Cindy’s boyfriend, Chuck, becomes suspicious, while law enforcement, led by Deputy Sheriff Jesse Bard, closes in on the escaped convicts. Dan makes a desperate attempt to alert authorities discreetly, but the risk of exposure looms large.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Glenn Griffin (Humphrey Bogart): The hardened and intelligent leader of the escaped convicts, who holds the Hilliard family hostage while awaiting money for his getaway.
• Daniel Hilliard (Fredric March): A determined and resourceful family man who must protect his wife and children when their suburban home is invaded by criminals.
• Hal Griffin (Dewey Martin): Glenn’s younger brother and fellow escapee, who grapples with his loyalty to his brother and his desire for a normal life.
• Sam Kobish (Robert Middleton): The brutish and unpredictable accomplice of the Griffin brothers, posing a constant threat to the Hilliard family.
• Ellie Hilliard (Martha Scott): The matriarch of the Hilliard family, who displays resilience and courage amidst the terror of the hostage situation.
• Deputy Sheriff Jesse Bard (Arthur Kennedy): The determined deputy sheriff with a past connection to Glenn Griffin, leading the investigation to capture the escaped convicts.
• Cindy Hilliard (Mary Murphy): The Hilliard’s daughter, a young woman caught in the middle of the hostage situation, trying to protect her family and relationship.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Glenn Griffin: “You’re gonna do as I tell you. You’re gonna do it when I tell you. And you’re not gonna try anything.” – Glenn establishes his dominance and control over the Hilliard family from the beginning.
• Glenn Griffin: “Clickety-clickety-click.” – Mocking Daniel Hilliard as he attempts to figure out a way to get out of the desperate situation.
• Daniel Hilliard: “Get out – get out of my house!” – Daniel reclaims his home and identity by forcefully ordering the criminals to leave.
• Hal Griffin: “You taught me everything…except how to live in a house like this.” – Hal expresses his regret and realization of a better life.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $2,388,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 The Desperate Hours Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely on edge watching ‘The Desperate Hours.’ Humphrey Bogart is terrifying, and Fredric March’s transformation from a regular guy to a protective father is amazing. That scene where he confronts Bogart, knowing he has an empty gun, gave me chills! It’s a classic thriller that really gets under your skin, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it for days afterward. Definitely a must-watch!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic film noir”
  • “Those interested in suspenseful hostage dramas”
  • “Admirers of Humphrey Bogart and Fredric March”
  • “Viewers who appreciate films with a strong focus on character development”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Threats”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Brief depiction of a dead body”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Wyler masterfully crafts suspense in this home invasion thriller, elevated by Bogart’s chilling performance. The film preys on suburban anxieties with a taut narrative, creating an unsettling but captivating experience.
• Sight & Sound: “A finely tuned example of noir tension, The Desperate Hours showcases Wyler’s skill in drawing out maximum suspense from minimal locations. Bogart and March deliver compelling performances in this harrowing tale of domestic terror.
• Los Angeles Times: “While somewhat stagey, The Desperate Hours still grips due to the compelling dynamic between Bogart and March. The film captures the suffocating atmosphere of a family held hostage, exploring themes of courage and vulnerability.

Audience Reactions

Bogart’s performance is chilling and unforgettable.: Viewers praise Bogart’s ability to portray a menacing, yet strangely sympathetic villain.

The tension is palpable, keeping you on the edge of your seat.: Many appreciate the film’s suspenseful atmosphere and the unpredictable nature of the hostage situation.

Overall Consensus: A suspenseful and well-acted thriller that remains effective due to its strong performances and exploration of suburban anxieties.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on Joseph Hayes’ novel and stage play of the same name, which was inspired by a real-life home invasion incident in 1953.”
• “Humphrey Bogart was cast as Glenn Griffin to increase the star power of the film, making the character older than he was in the stage version where Paul Newman originated the role.”
• “William Wyler, known for his meticulous directing style, reportedly made Fredric March and Martha Scott repeat a goodbye scene multiple times to achieve the desired emotional effect.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Desperate Hours?

As a classic film, ‘The Desperate Hours’ is available for purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check local listings for potential broadcast options. Availability may vary depending on your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Desperate Hours, you might like these similar films:

• Key Largo (1948): Features Humphrey Bogart in a tense standoff with gangsters in a confined location, similar to the claustrophobic atmosphere of ‘The Desperate Hours’.
• The Petrified Forest (1936): Early Humphrey Bogart role as a gangster holding people hostage, setting a precedent for his character in ‘The Desperate Hours’.
• Cape Fear (1962): Features a family terrorized by a menacing figure, creating a similar sense of dread and tension.
• Funny Games (1997): Two young men hold a family hostage in their vacation home and torture them with sadistic games.

🛒 The Desperate Hours Related Products

• The Desperate Hours (Blu-ray): High-definition restoration of the film with special features, including behind-the-scenes documentaries, interviews with film scholars and theatrical trailer.
• Humphrey Bogart: The Essential Collection (DVD): A curated set of Humphrey Bogart’s most iconic films, including ‘The Maltese Falcon,’ ‘Casablanca,’ and ‘The Big Sleep.’ This collection provides a comprehensive look at Bogart’s remarkable career.
• Noir Movie Poster Set – 12×18: A set of vintage-style movie posters featuring classic film noir titles, including ‘The Desperate Hours’, printed on high-quality archival paper.
• Home Invasion Thrillers – Book Compilation: Anthology of home invasion thrillers including the novel of ‘The Desperate Hours’ including critical analyses and behind-the-scenes accounts of the genre’s evolution.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Desperate Hours features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by Gail Kubik
• “End Credits” – performed by Gail Kubik

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Top 5 Underrated HUMPHREY BOGART Films

Ever wondered if you’ve seen *all* of Bogart’s best work? This video digs into some of his lesser-known films. ‘The Desperate Hours’ *might* be on the list, or at least it’ll give you a better appreciation for Bogart’s range!

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