THE DESPERATE HOURS is another classic example of the home invasion genre, an exciting and suspenseful black and white story about an ordinary suburban family finding their home taken over by a trio of escaped convicts. It's similar to the Frank Sinatra flick SUDDENLY, although perhaps not quite as exciting, but the real draw here is the presence of Bogart as the master criminal. Much of the story is a battle of wits between Bogart and old-timer Fredric March, another one putting in a fine performance. William Wyler's direction is assertive and intriguing, and the suspense builds to a surprisingly fresh and modern-feeling climax that delivers the goods.
Review of The Desperate Hours
