While America Sleeps
While America Sleeps

Movie spotlight

While America Sleeps

1939
Movie
21 min
English

An episode in the "Crime Does Not Pay" series. Dave Miller, an aircraft plant worker, is actually selling secret bomber plans to foreign agents. United States Intelligence Department agents plan to trap him and the spies he works for.

Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Director: Arthur LubinGenres: Drama, Film-Noir

Plot Summary

A former boxer, now a detective, investigates a series of murders that seem connected to a wealthy businessman. He must navigate a web of deceit and double-crosses to uncover the killer before they strike again. The investigation leads him into the city's dark underbelly, where loyalty is scarce and danger lurks around every corner.

Critical Reception

Released during a prolific year for Hollywood, 'While America Sleeps' received moderate attention. Contemporary reviews often highlighted its gritty atmosphere and fast-paced plot, though some critics found the narrative somewhat predictable. It is generally considered a B-movie of its era, notable for its early foray into noir elements.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its tense atmosphere and straightforward crime narrative.

  • Some critics found the plot elements to be derivative of other crime films of the period.

  • Appreciated for its efficient pacing within the B-movie format.

Google audience: Audience reception data from Google is not readily available for this particular film.

Fun Fact

Arthur Lubin, the director, was known for his work on both feature films and later became a prolific television director, helming episodes of popular shows like 'Mister Ed' and 'The Addams Family'.

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