Crime Wave (1953)

Plot:   A reformed criminal is caught between the police and his former prison pals.
Stars:  Sterling Hayden, Phyllis Kirk, Gene Nelson
Best Quote: How come the smart guys are inside [prison] and the dopes outside?

A low-budget hard boiled crime movie made enjoyable by superior direction, good acting, and a tight script (only 73 minutes).  Its a routine story, but not a moment is wasted. Most of the film is shot on location, and its cool to see 1953 Los Angeles in all its glory.

Hayden is well cast as the gruff, tough as nails Police Sargent while Nelson and Kirk make a believable couple. Supporting cast standouts include:  Charles Bronson as a violent, not too bright hood,  Ted de Corisa as the suave "Doc Penny", and Dub Taylor as a Gas station attendant. Timothy Carey has almost no lines, but he's so full of psycho menace, you can't take your eyes off him.