Skip to content

Tonight Collections Voices The Daily Library

Search films, people and collections/

Advanced search

A Criterion Channel companion.

Tonight
On 24/7
Leaving soon
Recently added
Fresh from theaters

Collections
Adventures in Moviegoing
Observations on Film Art
Meet the Filmmakers
Box sets
Editions

Closet
Top 10s
Commentators
The Feed

Lists
Want to watch
Favorites
Profile

© 2026 Criteria. Not affiliated with The Criterion Collection.

Still from The Desperate Hours — The Desperate Hours (1955) — William WylerPhotographed by Lee Garmes

Poster for The Desperate Hours

William Wyler

The Desperate Hours

English / 1955 / 1h 52m

Not streamingNot currently on the Criterion Channel.

Letterboxd: 3.69/5·6.4K ratings·1.1K reviewson Letterboxd
Connections: View Connections

Synopsis

Escaped convicts terrorize a suburban family they're holding hostage.

Included in
Home Invasion
Position 2
Included in
October 2021
Position 34

Credits

Crew

DirectorWilliam Wyler

WriterJoseph Hayes

CinematographerLee Garmes

ComposerGail Kubik,

Daniele Amfitheatrof

EditorRobert Swink

ProducerWilliam Wyler

Cast

Humphrey Bogartas Glenn Griffin

Fredric Marchas Daniel C. Hilliard

Arthur Kennedyas Deputy Sheriff Jesse Bard

Martha Scottas Eleanor 'Ellie' Hilliard

Dewey Martinas Hal Griffin

Gig Youngas Chuck Wright

Mary Murphyas Cynthia 'Cindy' Hilliard

Richard Eyeras Ralph Hilliard

Robert Middletonas Sam Kobish

Bert Freedas Tom Winston

Ray Collinsas Sheriff Masters

Whit Bissellas FBI Agent Carson

Ray Tealas State Police Lt. Fredericks

Walter Baldwinas George Patterson

Edmund Cobbas Mr. Walling

Ann Doranas Mrs. Walling

Beverly Garlandas Miss Swift

Helen Kleebas Miss Wells

Ralph Dumkeas Clint

Pat Flahertyas Dutch

The Desperate Hours (1955) | Criteria