Suddenly

(1954)

72 minutes

Drama / Film Noir / Suspense

Directed by Lewis Allen

Cast:

Frank Sinatra as John Baron 
Sterling Hayden as Sheriff Tod Shaw 
James Gleason as Pop Benson 
Nancy Gates as Ellen Benson 
Kim Charney as Peter Benson III aka 'Pidge' 
Willis Bouchey as Dan Carney 
Paul Frees as Benny Conklin 
Christopher Dark as Bart Wheeler 
James O'Hara as Jud Hobson 
Ken Dibbs as Wilson
Clark Howat as Haggerty 
Charles Smith as Bebop 
Paul Wexler as Slim Adams 

This film was shot in Newhall, California and resembles the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Frank Sinatra normally did not play the 'bad guy', however in this film he plays the vindictive John Baron. After the war, the President of the United States is expected to travel to the small town of Suddenly in California. A group of FBI agents go to the home of the Bensons, informing them they need to check on security before the President arrives. It is soon discovered the men are not FBI agents, but killers. John Baron is the leader of the group and holds the Benson family as prisoners.

Sheriff Tod Shaw and Don Carney, a Secret Service agent who makes sure the President is safe at all time gets shot by Baron and his men and fissures Shaw’s arm. More people are held hostage and as the film progresses and Baron’s men start to feel hesitant about their plan. Baron never withholds himself from killing, for he has no soul. At the end Baron is shot by Shaw.