Short Cut to Hell is a 1957 American film noir, filmed in black-and-white VistaVision, starring Robert Ivers and Georgann Johnson. The film is the only directorial effort by famous actor James Cagney.
Short Cut to Hell is a remake of the 1941 Alan Ladd film This Gun for Hire, which in turn was based on the 1936 Graham Greene novel A Gun for Sale.
Plot
Professional hitman Kyle Niles (Ivers) is hired to commit two murders and afterwards double-crossed by his employer Bahrwell (Aubuchon). Seeking revenge, Kyle kidnaps singer Glory Hamilton (Johnson), the girlfriend of the police detective in charge of his pursuit (Bishop). Kyle is finally able to get even with Bahrwell, and in the process reveals his long-dormant "good" side.