When selfish and arrogant millionaire Donald Carson fractures his leg during a desert vacation, his wife, Geraldine, leaves with their friend Joseph Duncan to supposedly get help. However, the two of them are really lovers who are leaving Carson to die in the heat. Slowly, Carson realizes he is on his own and vows revenge on the traitorous couple. Having had a privileged life, Carson must now use his wits to stay alive.
Cinematography
Death Valley in blazing Technicolor— nature as antagonist.
Acting
Robert Ryan makes arrogance deliciously watchable.
Director
Roy Ward Baker
Robert Ryan
Donald Whitley Carson III
Rhonda Fleming
Geraldine Carson
William Lundigan
Joseph Duncan
Larry Keating
Dave Emory
Henry Hull
Sam Elby
Carl Betz
Lt. Mike Platt
Robert Burton
Sheriff
Barbara Pepper
Waitress (uncredited)
Everett Glass
Mason (uncredited)
Robert Adler
Ken - Ranch Hand (uncredited)
Harry Carter
Deputy Fred Parks (uncredited)
Adrienne Marden
Emory's Secretary (uncredited)
Charles Tannen
Police Radio Broadcaster (uncredited)
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Shot in 3D during the brief 1950s craze; Baker complained the format made desert heat feel 'too real' for audiences.
Robert Ryan specialized in wealthy, arrogant heels— this was his warm-up for 'The Set-Up' and 'Bad Day at Black Rock.'
US
