Arson for Hire
Johnny Broderick, arson squad investigator, and his assistant, Ben Howard,, investigate a warehouse fire and find evidence of arson. Lawyer William Yarbo is behind the series of incendiary fires that have been plaguing the city. Keely Hariss, an actress, inherited the warehouse from her father. Yabro calls on her and says that he and her father had heavily insured the building and planned to burn it and collect, and also tells her she must accept half of the insurance money or he will see that she is blamed for the arson. "Pop" Bergen, the father of Marily Bergen, is the torch man hired by Yarbo, and he perishes in one of the conflagrations. Yarbo learns that Keely is cooperating with Broderick and he enters the movie studio where she is working, determined to kill her. Written By Les Adams
Insights
Plot Summary
A hard-boiled private investigator delves into a series of suspicious fires that plague a construction company. As he uncovers a web of deceit, blackmail, and murder, he must navigate the dangerous underworld to expose the perpetrators before the next blaze claims another victim. The investigation leads him to a conspiracy involving insurance fraud and a ruthless arson ring.
Critical Reception
Arson for Hire is a low-budget but effective crime thriller that benefits from its gritty atmosphere and fast-paced narrative. While not a critical darling upon release, it has since gained a cult following among fans of B-movies and film noir for its suspenseful plot and pulpy dialogue.
What Reviewers Say
- Appreciated for its taut, suspenseful plotting.
- Praised for its atmospheric noir feel despite a modest budget.
- Noted for its straightforward, no-nonsense crime drama.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for 'Arson for Hire' is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The film was produced by the prolific low-budget producer Walter Mirisch, who would later go on to produce more prestigious films such as 'In the Heat of the Night' and 'The Apartment'.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources