Cruelty
A criminal drama based on the story of the same name by Pavel Nilin. The first years of Soviet power in East Siberia. Malyshev,deputy chief of Criminal Investigation Department, a Komsomol member, wins over to the Soviet power a former field-hand and now a bandit Lazar Baukin, and the latter tells him about Vorontsov, the gang leader. Malyshev guarantees Baukin’s freedom. However the chief arrests him in order to reap laurels of catching the gang leader. Malyshev is in despair - he has brought under execution the man who has fully trusted him. The situation gets worse due to his personal drama and Malyshev commits suicide.
Insights
Plot Summary
A noir thriller centered around a man who marries a wealthy widow with a dark secret, only to become entangled in a web of deceit and murder. The story unfolds as he tries to navigate the dangerous circumstances, uncovering betrayal and facing potential doom.
Critical Reception
Cruelty is a lesser-known B-movie from the late 1950s, often appreciated by genre enthusiasts for its gritty atmosphere and classic noir elements. While it didn't garner widespread critical acclaim upon release, it has found a niche audience that values its suspenseful plot and femme fatale archetype.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its taut pacing and effective suspense in building a classic noir mood.
- Noted for its strong femme fatale performance, a staple of the genre.
- Considered a solid, if unexceptional, entry in the crime thriller category of its era.
Google audience: Audience reception for Cruelty is limited due to its obscurity, but it is generally viewed as a competent and atmospheric B-movie thriller that delivers on its genre promises.
Fun Fact
The film was produced by Bernard Glasser, who also directed and is known for his work on other low-budget genre films of the era.
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