Split Second (1953) - Full Film Noir Thriller Directed by Dick Powell Starring Stephen McNally

🎬 A Timeless Thriller Reborn at Nocturne Theatre!
This evening, step under the illustrious marquee of Nocturne Theatre for the exclusive screening of "Split Second" (1953), now revitalized in DVD quality from a once poor-quality print. Witness this gripping noir thriller in a clarity that redefines its original splendor. Helmed by first-time director Dick Powell, you won't be able to take your eyes off the screen! Enjoy this rare gem, and enjoy it again any time you'd like!
Starring the Dynamic Stephen McNally & the Captivating Alexis Smith!
Be captivated by the intense performances of Stephen McNally and Alexis Smith in this heart-pounding narrative. "Split Second" masterfully intertwines suspense and drama, embodying the essence of 1950s noir.
🌟 About Our Feature Presentation:
Director: The visionary Dick Powell
Genre: A thrilling blend of Noir, Suspense, Drama
Plot Synopsis: In a race against time, hostages grapple with survival as they are held captive by escaped convicts. Set against a backdrop of impending doom, this story will keep you on the edge of your seat.
🎥 A Restoration Marvel!
Through painstaking efforts, we've elevated "Split Second" to DVD quality, ensuring every shadowy detail and tense moment is experienced as never before. Relive the intensity of classic noir with unparalleled clarity.
🔍 Why This Film Captivates:
- Edge-of-your-seat suspense: A true testament to noir thrillers.
- Powerful performances: Stephen McNally and Alexis Smith bring depth and intensity to their roles.
- Enhanced viewing experience: Enjoy the film's transformation from a poor-quality print to crisp DVD quality.
👍 Applaud the Restoration!
If tonight's suspenseful journey has rekindled your passion for classic cinema or introduced you to its wonders, please show your support with a like, share, and subscribe to Nocturne Theatre. Your enthusiasm is our inspiration to continue unearthing and revitalizing cinematic treasures.
📝 Join Our Noir Nights!
We cherish your thoughts and reflections! Share your comments about "Split Second." What moments captivated you? Which noir classics would you like to see brought back to life in this new clarity?
🌟 Support Nocturne Theatre!
Help us keep the legacy of classic cinema alive. By making purchases through the affiliate links below, you contribute to our mission of restoring and sharing these timeless stories. Thank you for your support in this cinematic renaissance!
• 'Eddie Muller's Noir Bar: Cocktails Inspired by the World of Film Noir' - amzn.to/41IMXYs
• 'Dark City: The Lost World of Film Noir', by Eddie Muller - amzn.to/3vaVuqE
• 'Film Noir', by Alain Silver - amzn.to/48CGUa6
• 'The Art of Noir: The Posters and Graphics from the Classic Era of Film Noir', by Eddie Muller - amzn.to/48lVEug
• 'I Loved Her in the Movies: Memories of Hollywood's Legendary Actresses', by Robert Wagner - amzn.to/48apx0i

[@Finnleigh.Jackson4141]

Because many of the modern movies are so [you add the word], I am watching old black and white movies, because there I know what I get: good entertainment.

[@patrickstannard5753]

old movies , no swearing , no blaspheme ,using gods name as a swear word , no sex scenes , and entertaining.

[@huletnadof313]

In the old movies when the male protagonist knocks on the door of his girlfriend (who he earlier deserted) late on a rainy she takes him back. The door closes. In the next scene, it is morning and she's making him a dish of scrambled eggs. Oh, and in the last scene in North by Northwest the train keeps a rollin' right into the tunnel. And don't forget how that all started. Metaphors.

[@1foolishcaribou195]

No "woke" being shoved down your throat

[@joelonzello4189]

Check Out Pulp Fiction 😉

[@Madbandit77]

You mean dull, and there was swearing in real life those days.

[@rubstroll1]

Just the old sexism and misogyny.

[@montanagal6958]

I love old movies film noir, seems like they weren't afraid to tackle the truth regarding the nature of human beings whether it be evil, killer, alcohol or love.

[@ericmikesell4624]

When Men were Men, and Ladies were ladies

[@mr.blackhawk142]

You forgot sucking on CANCER STICKS!

[@kanalnr1]

Yes, it's all girl power now even though we all know how it goes down

[@joselopezmoya9786]

Just love those cars from the mid to late 40's.

[@redblade8160]

@joselopezmoya9786. You need to pay attention more! This film was made in 1953, and the cars were new, which makes these cars 1950's models.

[@gaylandbarney2231]

@@redblade8160 the plymouth coupe MAY have been an early 50's , but could be 48/9 the woody and the ford were 40's.......

[@bsastarfire250]

I'm british and like the old films .Your old cars are different from our old cars !

[@richardbrowning8221]

Dick powell was very under rated actor. Producer, director, and actor! Had it all and did it all. Great admirer of his! RIP !

[@outerrealm]

Why are people like you seemingly in love with the term "underrated" without having a clue as to what it means or whether it actually relates to the subject? Is that all you can come up with? Is it the only adjective you know? He starred in 60 films from 1932 to 1954. In 1963 he was posthumously given the Television Academy Trustee Award for his contributions to the industry along with a star on the Hollywood walk of fame. He worked with big names such as John Wayne, Howard Hughes, Blake Edwards, David Janssen, Lucille Ball, Abbot and Costello, Jack Lemmon, too many to list. Does this sound underrated to you? Do you somehow expect the current tiktok generation 70 years removed to be familiar with him? And if they're not he's underrated? I'll buy you a dictionary, let me know where to send it.

[@batteredup]

Dick Powell did several TV thriller/killer/melodrama-type series in the 1950s under a sponsor's "playhouse" or "theater" as they often called them back in the days of early TV. Sponsors like Kraft, Chrysler, etc. They can be tracked down on you tube.

[@JohnLockesReflection]

@@outerrealm Arrogant, angry, and self absorbed is no way to go through life, son. Dean Wormer

[@Joeblow-ms3cv]

Indubidubly 🙂

[@JanetElson]

Underrated is such an overrated word

[@ericthered760]

McNally was one of Hollywood's classic "tough guys." Pretty good in everything he did.

[@stevensica5918]

He played a few good guy roles, but I always liked him as a hood. He was originally a lawyer but turned to acting.

[@marco-dn7kd]

Excellent in noir and westerns. Violent Saturday is a masterpiece

[@Jabatu1]

As an old fashioned person, who loves stable relationships, I admire SMc for being married to the same woman for 50 some years.

[@user-rx8pt6tr3k]

Love him in Winchester 73

[@user-rx8pt6tr3k]

Made a classic appearance in the outer limits

[@evergreenthuja5275]

👍🏼👍🏼 So far, every film that I've viewed to date (including this one) that was directed by Dick Powell were well worth the watch.

[@MariaPerez-zm6hj]

Agree 100% Dick Powell proved to be a versatile man in the movie industry from musical, like comedy to Noirs obviously he had talent and exercised whenever he had the opportunity. Unfortunately his life was cut short , due cancer which is said he was contaminated precisely directing a later movie in an area where atomic tests were conducted. Great loss.

[@KevinDoyle149]

Oppenheimer lives! The dawn of the atomic age. A rare hybrid of styles. Well done by Dick Powell and solid cast.

[@pigalleycatemanresu7321]

Oppenheimer was against the development of a thermonuclear bomb. He tried to get the "Iron Mike" test in the Pacific postponed or cancelled. He was not successful, and the first one went off as scheduled, Nov. 1, 1952. In '53, when this film was made, the "Desert Rock" tests were being carried out in Nevada.

[@mitchjay2108]

how is it I never heard of this great post war atomic age fantastic film, the cast is outstanding !

[@FreedomSpirit7]

This was a good one! Dick Powell another favorite Actor of mine. He directed this film. Very good film, good acting, intense. I like the last line at the end Doc says: "Yes, let's take a look at the world of tomorrow." I thought to myself "and look at the world of the tomorrow that is the world of today." Real pretty picture huh nice and peaceful. More people on psyche meds over worked over stressed disabled just on SSI living day to day if they should buy food or their medicine. Yeah Doc, let's look at the world of tomorrow. Sad State of Affairs. Good ol' noir movies. Keeps me engaged in those Golden Days of Hollywood Actors and Actresses.

[@freemarketjoe9869]

Very interesting being in the blast zone right before detonation, especially at the ending. Quite a well-made film. A real classic with the bomb backdrop.

[@josephgiunta6732]

The helicopter in the beginning of the movie is the iconic Bell 47D model the type flown in the Korean War for medical evacuation in and for M.A.S.H. units! The chopper and it's brave pilots saved thousands of lives! This Chopper is shown with wheeled landing gear which was used first in the military and civilian applications, but both eventually went to tubed skid gear which was more practical! The 47 was even used by the U.S. Army in Vietnam in the 1st Air Cav as an aerial scout ship! From Korea and Vietnam incredible!

[@robwilde855]

In the late 50s some episodes of the American series 'Whirlybirds' was shown on British television. Not many English folk had television then, but as young boys we tried to get to see the programme with someone who had a set, because we just loved the idea of the of piloting such a great machine as the Bell 47. It seemed to be just designed for adventures! They might have used a 47G. Not sure.

[@skibee421]

i noticed. sweet

[@user-fi2ix7mr6i]

Well stated history on the bell chopper,time in Korea and the Nam!

[@st.gregory]

I’m impressed with how quiet the helicopter is while idling

[@alecwilliams7111]

I saw the last part of this film ages ago, and i always wanted to see the rest of it.. Thanks KZbin. Dick Powell was a fine actor--going from songs to Shakespeare. He was also a fine director. He was hosting an excellent anthology series on TV when he died. Maybe KZbin will run some of these for us?

[@IvanRodriguez-hl4pg]

What was the name of the anthology?

[@ara8253]

​@@IvanRodriguez-hl4pgThe Dick Powell Show 1961-1963, after his death it continued with celebrity hosts. Dick Powell's Zane Grey Theatre and the series by Four Star Television were top rate too.

[@marco-dn7kd]

​​@@IvanRodriguez-hl4pg you find most if his Zane Grey Theater on KZbin

[@jamesnorton8316]

A really tight suspense filled thriller. Being a kid from the late 40's, I recognized the need for a radiator bag/water bag on cars for cooling of engines, and to fill up hot radiators to keep from blowing. Great cast of actors, Good charter study of bravery, cowardice, and good attitude. I'm a subscriber.🥰🥰🥰 Thanks for posting.

[@johngibson3837]

The bag ov water on the front is for drinking, the air when you drive cools it because the bag is made of canvas and slightly porous, a cars engine Is fine with water that's warm so that can stored inside the vehicle

[@stevengriffin7873]

You DON'T fill up hot radiators with cool water,that's how the engine block will crack.When the engine has cooled down cool water can be added.

[@-oiiio-3993]

@@johngibson3837 They were (are) for cooling. The porous canvas allows the bag to 'sweat', cooling airflow to radiator. I have used them in Northern AZ on old Willys Jeeps. They work. As shown in this film, it would have been entirely ineffective as it was dragging below bumper level.

[@johngibson3837]

@@-oiiio-3993 don't know why you'd want to put cold water in a radiator and risk cracking the block, In Australia they hang off the front of vehicle and high or low they cool the water for drinking with the airflow over the porous bag

[@-oiiio-3993]

@@johngibson3837 Where did I suggest putting cold water in a hot radiator?

[@yodservant]

Always really liked Dick Powell...❤😊

[@debrabader806]

Me too!!!!!❤❤❤Love, Debra Bader

[@mikenixon2401]

Great film. The mix of personalities and never a dull moment. Thanks for sharing.

[@user-fi2ix7mr6i]

Dummy has a awesome role. No lines to remember,just do what hes told!!

[@90FF1]

Four years after this movie was released, I was a young Marine with MCTU4, participating in Operation Plumbbob at Camp Desert Rock, Mercury NV. Pretty good movie and a good cast. Thanks .

[@tracywilliams7929]

Really good story told by really good acting. The special FX at the end are marvelous! Truly a last minute surprise.

[@alanbash2921]

One of The Greatest Film Noirs 👁👁👁👁

[@Mr22thou]

It's interesting seeing shots of Mojave/Antelope Valley back then. It's largely built up and developed now, at least compared to then. "Them!" opens with a similar shot. I'd recognize those mountains anywhere.

[@challanger275]

Anything with Steve McNally he’s one of my favourite actors

[@gemmaremington-hw8hd]

Great film. I've never come across this one before. Superb acting by all especially the main villain. Contrasted well with the lady who was scared to die.

[@TomDaly943]

I remember watching this on the “Million Dollar Movie” about 60 years ago and it stayed with me!

[@lindamcdermott2205]

The way the birds sang outdoors in these old movies! So beautiful!

[@highlightoftheday7058]

I remember this as a child. But what a cracking film. Thank you for posting.

[@siouxjames-love7162]

This is such a jolly good film!!’ 😺💛👍🏻 thank you for posting!

[@NocturneTheatre]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@gerryhouska2859]

One I haven't seen before. Enjoyable, thanks for the upload.

[@user-lk9sb1ld1p]

Good film. Recognize many actors. Thanks

[@markr.devereux3385]

Not bad at all. Some nice b actors in the mix. The set must have been a blast ( no pun intended ) . Off camera i bet they got along nicely.. i was waiting to see the final outcome. Thanks for uploading such a gem

[@gregatkinson7276]

Very good old movie, thanks for posting it.

[@outerrealm]

1:20:36 love those "scientific" looking control rooms of the 50s.

[@Joeblow-ms3cv]

Indubidubly 🙂

[@outerrealm]

@@Joeblow-ms3cv indubitably

[@gaylandbarney2231]

@@outerrealm never thought i'd see THAT spellcheck !

[@saigokun]

Great film, thanks for posting it.

[@BlueBeeMCMLXI]

Notice how modern cinema no longer shows moral choices?

[@donnabaardsen5372]

Excellent 👍

[@charleslanphier8094]

You're coming with me, see? That's right, with me. And I ain't askin', see?

[@pradeepprahlad9465]

How did the doctor manage to reach the isolated house when there were road blocks and security all over the place ?

[@daneblack2593]

I really like this one, and the acting was great I like the old guy from The Twilight zone episode

[@vernwallen4246]

And his hound dog.

[@billding7073]

Arthur Hunicutt.

[@lawrieflowers8314]

Great film, with a pretty unique setting. Thanks for posting!

[@catmother4214]

Thank you so much for posting this! 🖤📽️🎥🖤🔳🔲📽️🎥🖤🖤

[@michaelblankenau6598]

I notice in these movies that whenever they’re using the phone they always seem to hang up before they finish their last sentence.

[@dizzman5546]

hahahahaha

[@yodservant]

Me too.

[@shan4078]

I've noticed as well😂

[@UncleDavesKitchen]

the hand set is too heavy to hold on for long

[@joelonzello4189]

Years ago an awful manager at Ma Bell didn't like Men ! Always cold / short on the phone with them. As she would hang up the receiver she'd mutter the word " weasel ". Everytime. Didn't like me or my car and let me know it 🤣

[@catdog2706]

Dick Powell was an excellent actor always loved him he was truly gifted gone way to soon rip mr dick Powell ❤❤

[@user-nw7ow1ei1q]

Stephen McNally, Graduate of Fordham Univ; practiced law before acting, with his one wife they had eight successful children.

[@rumpoh8039]

THE POOR GIT SHOULD HAVE INV ESTED IN DUREX

[@marccherry7409]

Loved him in Target The Corrupters

[@sandrakennedy3527]

Good movie i have seen it 6 or 7 times at least.

[@leelarson107]

I saw this when it first came out in 1953, and haven't been able to find it since. Steven McNally outdid himself here, coming across as a very believable creep. That's a far stretch from his usual roles.

[@A0A4ful]

Good Lord! - assuming you were born in 1940, you grew up in the WWII and post atomic bomb era, and have seen how the 20th century unraveled into the fine mess we are today... Stay well and healthy, Sir!

[@outerrealm]

1:23:30 "I'm going out now - where I'll be irradiated by fallout and die of radiation sickness". People knew about fallout then, fallout shelters? Duh.

[@BlueBeeMCMLXI]

You think those before you were ignorant? That's ignorant.

[@windycitykitty]

People were told at the time that the testing was "safe". ilovehistory.utah.gov/1950s-nuclear-testing-and-the-downwinders/

[@jadyneasterday2504]

Well I don't know but they had no food in that mine to live off of and he did mention military trucks would probably be there soon.

[@kevinrussell1144]

I'm going out now, see, I don't need no stinkin' radiation, see, you're coming with me, blondie. Light up one for me, and give me a drink............see?? You just gotta love these classics, from the cars, the clothes, to the dialog. Yes, we see................me likee.

[@Retroscoop]

In the 1930's; when radiation was discovered, many people thought it actually was something healthy. A lot of companies made products that claimed to have somehow a link with nuclear stuff: radio-active water; soap, even underwear. A cosmetics company introduced "Tho-Radia", and claimed it contained Thorium and Radium (which it did not), probably to give a "radiant beauty". It's quite an interesting footnote in the history, and of course, very soon companies realized all ties with radio-activity and the nuclear had to be cut. However, Tho Radia kept its name. In the 2000's, French researchers went with a Geiger counter in the former production facility to make sure no nuclear traces could be found. As said earlier, the white powder didn't contain Thorium nor Radium...

[@kevinwoplin9322]

Jan Sterling always gives a great turn....terrific in Caged and The High and the Mighty

[@amarreder6241]

Good Movie

[@arneldobumatay3702]

Pretty good first moive for that rookie director . . . Dick Powell!

[@nancycatania7763]

What a great movie! Thanks for posting!

[@ellecee453]

I love this movie!

[@robertoreilly8175]

Very good film.

[@DMBall]

Good performances, as you'd expect when a great actor like Dick Powell directs. The plot is a little far-fetched, but it's still very entertaining.

[@issurchaim]

Paul Kelly actually spent time in prison for killing a friend in a fit of passion over a girlfriend. He got out after 3 or 4 years and became a fixture in WB films of the 30's and 40's.

[@vickiegroome3220]

Excellent film. Thank you.

[@danhurst9048]

This was an excellent movie

[@shawngregg3796]

An excellent 👌👍 old movie. Always liked Richard Egan.

[@joselopezmoya9786]

One of my parents neighbors in PUERTO RICO had.a syetion wagon with wooden doors in the early 60's.

[@hertzair1186]

Good one.

[@darylcumming7119]

Atomic age noir? Good film.

[@robwilde855]

2:58 - "...on a bearing of 10 degrees east of west." !! Apart from that :), an excellent film, enjoyable for its plot and characters then, and even more valuable now for its socio-historical evidence. A detail I appreciated: from 1:12:50 to 1:13:50 is one shot, with the seconds-hand of the clock visible all the time, and the dialogue was paced skilfully in order to end appropriately exactly on the hour. That must have taken some practice to get right.

[@DavidRice111]

"2:58 - "...on a bearing of 10 degrees east of west." I noted that also but thought I misheard?

[@mcpheejesus5945]

Wow! This was so good! Had me on the edge of my seat toward the end. Well done Mr. Powell, all the actors, and anyone who had anything to do with the making of this magnificent movie. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@bsastarfire250]

What a great film ! Just like I'd watch on Sunday afternoon in the sixties.

[@susieq790]

Very nice! Thank you for sharing, Amanda & Chris.😊❤😊

[@walkergillette3918]

THANKS I LIKE MOVIES LIKE THIS

[@ericmikesell4624]

Best movie I have seen in yrs....THANK YOU!!!!

[@magistrumartium]

That was a blast! Thanks for uploading.

[@ireminsel]

This is a very good picture. Conversations and chacters professionally depicted.

[@tmo.48]

Thank you!!! Very interesting 😮

[@user-lk9sb1ld1p]

Modern prometheus

[@LawrenceCarroll1234]

Even though this movie’s backdrop was the dawn of the nuclear age, it is nonetheless about the simple fundamentals of human nature. I love it. I remember growing up often hearing the “old fogies” talk about how they missed the simpler things when they were growing up. Now that I’m over 65, I’m thinking the exact same thing. :-) Even though I love some of the new stuff, it is extremely relaxing and serene to watch these old films - at least the good ones (there were “stinkers” even back then!). 🙏🏻 Thank you for posting!!

[@windycitykitty]

wow . . . what great characters in this. Thanks! SPOILER: The ending is a chilling reminder of the cold war, and the horrible after-effects in Nevada, Utah and other parts of the American West due to bomb testing.

[@jahmootzx2797]

Bravo

[@TheArby13]

I saw this movie years ago. I'm 73 and this movie is dated 1953. I was born in 52 so it could have been as long as 50-60 years ago. I liked it then and it is just as good now.

[@briancottrell4444]

Nice one 😊

[@allegra0]

This one is worth watching. Highly recommended.

[@johnzajac9849]

Excellent cast!

[@hhhunt777]

Great movie!! Just subscribed! :D Thank You!!!

[@dfrozendog3849]

I am old and I remember riding in some really old cars. Would enjoy driving an ol beast again.

[@christopherarmbruster6241]

Seems like a good one..thank u.

[@RullXov]

This was good.

[@lindabarkley9464]

This is a great movie , five star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!! Wish movies were this good today

[@user-xb2hh1tg5v]

Great movie ❤

[@foto21]

Interesting film noir that turns into a parable on the nuclear age. Much better than I expected. Why the old timer would pass his own pistol to a reporter of all people, I have literally no idea. The old timer could blast those two dudes before they knew what happened, or wait until they were separated. That was a major plot defect. It's weird that a B movie from the past has better dialog than an A movie of today.

[@jadyneasterday2504]

Perhaps the old man didn't have the heart to kill another man regardless of the situation would be my guess.

[@mustafajackson9430]

Another entertaining movie from Hollywood's heyday. Thanks for sharing.

[@JeromeKeysdjreal]

Great Movie

[@jamesfranklyn8547]

Great film xx better than what's on offer today.

[@caseyj.1332]

Popcorn and a recliner, good movie.

[@terencenxumalo1159]

good work

[@libertytreebud5406]

This was a very well done story. I give it 👍👍

[@QualityModelRailroad]

One of the BEST FILM NOIR/COLD WAR thrillers of all time! WOW! usually when such high class dames are starring in these shows, sentiment takes center stage...but no such mercy was given to the gorgeous Alexis Smith and her blonde co-star (don't know her name, but she was amazing). The killer is a brutal thug, like killers are real life. Arthur Hunnicut as the old miner even loses his happy go lucky mood, especially when the killer throws the Bible on the floor. The acting from everyone superb...but the direction from Dick Powell (one of my fav film noir stars) was over the top...a sweaty, grim and wicked count down to doomsday.

[@kathleenmckeithen118]

This was a great movie and I was 5 years old at the time living on an air force base in Japan where we lived for two years. a When nuclear fallout began to be understood when I was in elementary school stateside, our teachers had us get under our school desks to avoid the fallout. When I was. 13, I read a book entitled, "Alas, Babylon", which made me feel physically sick with the descriptions of what might happen after a nuclear war. I kept thinking about that as I watched this movie.

[@itsanalyne]

Never knew Dick Powell's also a director.

[@Madbandit77]

This was his first film behind the camera.

[@user-kl6rq2sy7n]

Not at all boring very much watchable tq🎉

[@bobsanders9114]

Ya gotta love the 50s. For a variety of reasons I am not sure other posters here would agree with.

[@allencampbell8322]

Pretty darn good

[@user-fi2ix7mr6i]

Noir films are better than the bs of today.

[@jimlaguardia8185]

Very 50s, and very good.

[@miketemple7686]

Great movie! That count down at the end was brutal…T- minus 100 seconds. 😬😳

[@user-oo2su6hg1t]

really wierd about this time powell directed a john wayne film the conquerers in utah I believe and everyone who worked on the film were exposed to radiation from near by atomic bomb tests

[@11zanderman]

wow, great movie!

[@midnightblue496]

Good till very last drop❤