Man-Trap *** (1961, Jeffrey Hunter, David Janssen, Stella Stevens) – Classic Movie Review 7281

‘Too many men… Too many thrills… Soon – Too much violence!’ Producer/ director Edmond O’Brien makes the most of his rare chance to direct (his second and last after 1954’s Shield for Murder) in 1961’s brisk, capable black and white film noir crime thriller Man-Trap, telling a satisfyingly twisty tale of ex-US marine Vince (David Janssen) persuading his former Korean War buddy Matt (Jeffrey Hunter) – who saved his life in the war – into heisting a $3,500,000 fortune from a central American gang, who have hijacked it.

O’Brien encourages effective performances from the star pair, who are both interestingly cast against type, plus the alluring Stella Stevens as Hunter’s alcoholic wife, Nina.

Ed Waters and Paul Tabori’s screenplay is based on John D MacDonald’s novel Taint of the Tiger.

Also in the cast are Hugh Sanders, Elaine Devry, Arthur Batanides, Perry Lopez, Bernard Fein, Virginia Gregg, Michael Vandever, Tol Avery, Frank Albertson, Bob Crane, Dorothy Green and Chuck Morrell.

© Derek Winnert 2018 Classic Movie Review 7281

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