Is Shoot to Kill Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Shoot to Kill is likely a skip if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 64 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Shoot to Kill Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1947, Shoot to Kill emerges as a significant entry in the Crime domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A gritty crime story involving a newspaper man and crooked politicians. Unlike standard genre fare, Shoot to Kill attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and Shoot to Kill features a noteworthy lineup led by Russell Wade . Supported by the likes of Luana Walters and Edmund MacDonald , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Shoot to Kill (1947) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.7/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Shoot to Kill Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Shoot to Kill is a Crime film that delves into the criminal underworld with gritty realism and moral complexity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Shoot to Kill Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Shoot to Kill attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to crime resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Shoot to Kill reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Shoot to Kill Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Shoot to Kill incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Shoot to Kill adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Shoot to Kill?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Crime films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Shoot to Kill
- Russell Wade – George 'Mitch' Mitchell
- Luana Walters – Marian Langdon (as Susan Walters)
- Edmund MacDonald – Lawrence Dale (as Edmond MacDonald)
- Robert Kent – 'Dixie' Logan aka Judge Joel Conroy (as Douglas Blackley)
- Vince Barnett – Charlie Gill
Top Highlights
Russell WadeGeorge 'Mitch' Mitchell
Luana WaltersMarian Langdon (as Susan Walters)
Edmund MacDonaldLawrence Dale (as Edmond MacDonald)
Robert Kent'Dixie' Logan aka Judge Joel Conroy (as Douglas Blackley)
Vince BarnettCharlie Gill
Nestor PaivaGus Miller
Charles TrowbridgeDistrict Attorney John Forsythe
Harry BrownJim Forman
Ted HechtAl. Collins
Harry CheshireMike Blake
Where to Watch Shoot to Kill Online?
Streaming HubParents Guide & Age Rating
Shoot to Kill is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.7/10, and global collection metrics, Shoot to Kill stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1947 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shoot to Kill movie hit or flop?
Shoot to Kill is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.7/10 and lower collections.
Is Shoot to Kill worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.7/10, Shoot to Kill may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Shoot to Kill online?
Shoot to Kill may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How Shoot to Kill Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Shoot to Kill
Janitor's Crushed Body Found At Bottom Of Elevator Shaft! Shoot to Kill (AKA: Police Reporter) is directed by William Berke and written by Edwin V. Westrate. It stars Robert Kent (AKA: Douglas Blackley), Luana Walters (AKA: Susan Walters), Edmund MacDonald and Russell Wade. Music is by Darell Calker and Gene Rodgers and cinematography by Benjamin H. Kline. When gangster Dixie Logan (Kent) is framed by crooked Assistant District Attorney Lawrence Dale (MacDonald), his wife Marian (Walters) and a reporter, George Mitchell (Wade), set about proving how corrupt Dale is. You see the phrase poverty row B noir mixed with statements like double crosses and disloyalties, and it pricks up the ears of the film noir fan. Unfortunately Shoot to Kill has gained a small cult fan base without any surface justification. The film quite simply is a mess, oh the twists and flashback structure look impressive in the page, but the construction by the director is awful, with cast performances to match as well! This is amateur film making 101 and we even get a Keystone Cops like fist fight... It opens with a promising car chase and crash, but that is a false dawn, from there it's a collage of weak characterisations as the director throws it all together and hopes it works. The best things in the film are an extended piano playing sequence by Gene Rodgers, some of the blaring newspaper headlines that raise a smile and the odd bit of noirish shadow play. While mercifully it only runs at just over an hour. Don't be fooled, this is no hidden treasure for the noir head to seek out, it really doesn't know what to do with the plot machinations. 3/10
There's actually quite a lot of meat on the bones of this thriller. When "Dixie Logan" (Robert Kent) is framed for murder by the crooked District Attorney "Dale" (Edmund MacDonald) it falls to Luana Walters ("Marian") to take a job as his secretary and ingratiate herself into his organisation where, with the assistance of the newly befriended investigative reporter "Mitchell" (Russell Wade), she hopes to be able to prove the corruption. Needless to say, there is little jeopardy here - we know from the start who did what, and we can also easily anticipate the denouement and the burgeoning romance that gives "quickie quota" an whole new meaning. The acting is adequate, nothing more, as is the writing, but William Berke does manage to keep this moving along without a surfeit of wasteful dialogue for just over an hour - we even get some expertly choreographed fisticuffs! It's standard afternoon fayre - or maybe just a little better than that.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
