Merciless crooks infiltrate a small town and take an innocent household hostage with the purpose of assassinating the President of the United States, who'll be stepping off the train just outside of the prime residence. Brutish black-and-white melodrama from director Lewis Allen, remembered today primarily for the casting of Frank Sinatra as the slimy "born killer" leading this ruthless operation. Sinatra works very hard to convince us he's an unfeeling lout; but, while it's a satisfying-enough turn for the actor, it isn't a thoroughly convincing portrayal. The picture has a sharp, crisp look, yet it feels a little stodgy, with stagy action and stilted dialogue passages weakening the intense scenario. **1/2 from ****
Review of Suddenly
