On this day in movie history - Crime Wave (1953):

Crime Wave

aka The City Is Dark,

directed by Andre DeToth,

was released in the United States on January 12, 1954.
Based on the short story Criminal's Mark,

by John Hawkins and Ward Hawkins,

originally published in The Saturday Evening Post (1950).

Music by David Buttolph.

Cast:

Sterling Hayden, Gene Nelson, Phyllis Kirk, Ted de Corsia, Charles Bronson, Jay Novello, Ned Young, James Bell, Dub Taylor, Gayle Kellogg, Mack Chandler, Timothy Carey, Sandy Sanders, Richard Benjamin, James Hayward, Lyle Latell.

Born on this day – James Carter Cathcart:

James Carter Cathcart

Voice actor

Script adaptor

Voice director

Pianist

Vocalist

Director

Writer

January 4, 1954 – July 8, 2025

Credits:

Airforce Delta Strike (2004); Alien Nine (2001–2002); Alien Nine: Dubbing Diary (2003); Animals United (2010); Ape Escape 2 (2002); Apollo's Tall Tales (2019); Aria the Natural (2006); Aria: The Animation (2005); Art of Fighting (1993); Battle Arena Toshinden (1996); Big Apple Anime Fest 2003 Commercial (2003); Bride of Darkness (1999); Casper and Friends (1990–1994); CBS Summer Playhouse (1987); Cool Devices (1996); Cubix Robots for Everyone: Showdown (2002); Cubix: Robots for Everyone (2001–2002); Dokusen (2002); Every Pokémon Ever (2021); Fighting Cooking Legend Bistro Recipe (2002); Funky Cops (2003); G.I. Joe: Sigma 6 (2005); Galactic Wrestling: Featuring Ultimate Muscle (2004); Gall Force: Eternal Story (1986); Gokusen (2004); Grappler Baki: The Ultimate Fighter (1994); Here Is Greenwood (1991); Hyakki - The Secret of Devil's Island (2003); Impy's Island (2006); Injuu Seisen: Twin Angels (1995); Kikoriki: Team Invincible (2011); Kirby: Right Back at Ya! (2002–2003); Little Bird's Big Adventure (2017); Little Longnose (2003); Lollipop Dragon: The Great Christmas Race (1985); Lost Kingdoms II (2003); Lunatic Night (1996); Maetel Legend (2000); Maison Plaisir (2002); Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (2009); Mashed (2017–2023); Meloetta's Moonlight Serenade (2012); Midori Days (2004); Milk Money (2004); Mission Odyssey (2002–2003); Monica and Friends (1998); Mr. Men and Little Miss (1995–1997); One Piece (2000); One Piece: Grand Battle! (2005); Pikachu to Eievui Friends (2013); Pikachu, What's This Key? (2014); Pikachu's Island Adventure (2006); Pikachu's Ocean Adventure (2006); Pokémon (1997–2023); Pokémon Chronicles (2002–2004); Pokémon Journeys: The Series (2019–2020); Pokémon Masters (2019); Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky: Beyond Time and Darkness (2009); Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time & Darkness (2007); Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Team Go-Getters Out of the Gate! (2006); Pokémon Puzzle League (2000); Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea (2006); Pokémon Snap (1999); Pokémon the Movie: Black - Victini and Reshiram (2011); Pokémon the Movie: Destiny Deoxys (2004); Pokémon the Movie: Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction (2014); Pokémon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened (2013); Pokémon the Movie: Hoopa and the Clash of Ages (2015); Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You! (2017); Pokémon the Movie: Kyurem vs. the Sword of Justice (2012); Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle (2020); Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us (2018); Pokémon the Movie: Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel (2016); Pokémon the Movie: White - Victini and Zekrom (2011); Pokémon Ultimate Journeys (2022); Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life (2009); Pokémon: Giratina and the Sky Warrior (2008); Pokémon: Gotta Dance!! (2003); Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew (2005); Pokémon: Mega Evolution (2015); Pokémon: Mewtwo - Prologue to Awakening (2013); Pokémon: Mewtwo Returns (2000); Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back - Evolution (2019); Pokémon: Pikachu's Vacation (1998); Pokémon: The Arceus Chronicles (2022); Pokémon: The First Movie - Mewtwo Strikes Back (1998); Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai (2007); Pokémon: Zoroark: Master of Illusions (2010); PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond (2011); PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure (2009); Private Psycho Lesson (1997); Revolutionary Girl Utena (1997); Revolutionary Girl Utena: The Movie (1999); Sacrilege (2000); Saturday Mash-Up (2023); Shadow Hearts (2001); Shadow of the Elves (2004); Shadow the Hedgehog (2005); Shootfighter Tekken (2002); Shura no Toki: Age of Chaos (2004); Sonic Shorts (2018); Sonic X (2003–2005); Space Travelers (2000); Space Travelers: The Animation (2000); Super Smash Bros. Brawl (2008); Tama of Third Street: Have You Seen My Tama? (1993); Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2003); The Boy Who Wanted to Be a Bear (2002); The Fight for the Fox Box (2003); The Laughing Dogs: Get 'Im Outa Town (1979); The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon (2006); The Ping-Pong Club (1995); The Slayers (1995–1996); The Three Musketeers (2008); The Twelve Days of Christmas (1993); The World of Narue (2003); Tiny Robots (2008); Tokyo Mew Mew (2002–2003); Twin Angels (1994–1995); Ultimate Muscle: The Kinnikuman Legacy (2002–2003); Ultraman: Tiga (1996); Urmel voll in Fahrt (2008); Valkyrie Profile (1999); Yu-Gi-Oh! (2000–2006); Yu-Gi-Oh! Capsule Monster Coliseum (2004); Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters (2000–2001).

Born on this day – Kimble Rendall:

Kimble Rendall

Director

Writer

Musician

January 1, 1954 – April 20, 2025

Credits:

7 Guardians of the Tomb (2018); Bait (2012); Behind the Scenes of Cut (2000); Better Than Sex (2000); Boom Crash Opera: Hands Up in the Air (1986); Casanova (2005); Cold Chisel: Flame Trees (1984); Consolation Prize (1980); Counting the Beat (1997); Cut (2000); Cut: Cast and Crew Interviews (2000); Day Out of Days: The 'I, Robot' Production Diaries (2004); Enter the Matrix (2003); Garage Days (2002); Genre Summit (2016); Ghost Rider (2007); Gods of Egypt (2016); Hayride to Hell (1995); Hoodoo Gurus: Leilani (1982); I, Robot (2004); Johnny Diesel & The Injectors: Cry in Shame (1989); Killer Elite (2011); Knowing (2009); Mental As Anything: Live It Up (1985); Paul Kelly: Careless (1989); Popbot (2025); Shark's Paradise (1986); Spirit of Vengeance: The Making of 'Ghost Rider' (2007); Territory (2024); The Applicant (1982); The Burly Man Chronicles (2004); The Challenge (1986–1987); The Jesters (2009); The Making of 'Bait' (2013); The Matrix Reloaded (2003); The Matrix Revolutions (2003); The Matrix Revolutions: Crew (2004); The Tourist (2022); Three Chords and a Wardrobe (1998); Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009).

Born on this day – Ray Liotta:

Ray Liotta

Actor

Producer

December 18, 1954 – May 26, 2022

Credits:

Dangerous Waters (2023); Fool's Paradise (2023); Cocaine Bear (2023); Black Bird (2022); Broken Soldier (2022); Hanna (2021); The Many Saints of Newark (2021); No Sudden Move (2021); Syndrome K (2021); Hubie Halloween (2020); Fast Times at Ridgemont High Table Read (2020); Marriage Story (2019); Shades of Blue (2016–2018); The Simpsons (2018); Great News (2018); Young Sheldon (2017); Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2017); The Backup Dancer (2016); Flock of Dudes (2016); Modern Family (2016); Campus Code (2015); Blackway (2015); The Making of the Mob (2015); Texas Rising (2015); Ed Sheeran Feat. Rudimental: Bloodstream (2015); The Money (2014); Be Water (2014); Kill the Messenger (2014); Revenge of the Green Dragons (2014); Sin City: A Dame to Kill For (2014); David Guetta Feat. Sam Martin: Lovers on the Sun (2014); The Identical (2014); Better Living Through Chemistry (2014); Muppets Most Wanted (2014); Suddenly (2013); Pawn (2013); Mob of the Dead (2013); The Devil's in the Details (2013); Abominable Christmas (2012); NTSF:SD:SUV (2012); Dear Dracula (2012); Bad Karma (2012); Yellow (2012); The Place Beyond the Pines (2012); The Iceman (2012); Breathless (2012); Killing Them Softly (2012); Wanderlust (2012); Ticket Out (2012); The League (2011); The Entitled (2011); Field of Dreams 2: Lockout (2011); The River Murders (2011); Street Kings 2: Motor City (2011); All Things Fall Apart (2011); The Details (2011); The Son of No One (2011); Charlie St. Cloud (2010); Hannah Montana (2010); Chasing 3000 (2010); Snowmen (2010); Date Night (2010); Crazy on the Outside (2010); Youth in Revolt (2009); The Line (2009); Powder Blue (2009); Observe and Report (2009); Crossing Over (2009); SpongeBob SquarePants (2008); Hero Wanted (2008); Bee Movie (2007); Battle in Seattle (2007); Smith (2006–2007); In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale (2007); Wild Hogs (2007); Smokin' Aces (2006); Comeback Season (2006); Local Color (2006); Even Money (2006); Slow Burn (2005); Revolver (2005); Control (2004); ER (2004); The Last Shot (2004); Identity (2003); Ticker (2002); Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2002); Point of Origin (2002); John Q (2002); Just Shoot Me! (2001–2002); Narc (2002); Family Guy (2001); Blow (2001); Heartbreakers (2001); Hannibal (2001); A Rumor of Angels (2000); Pilgrim (2000); Forever Mine (1999); Muppets from Space (1999); The Rat Pack (1998); Phoenix (1998); Cop Land (1997); Turbulence (1997); Unforgettable (1996); Frasier (1995); Operation Dumbo Drop (1995); Corrina, Corrina (1994); No Escape (1994); Unlawful Entry (1992); Article 99 (1992); Women & Men 2: In Love There Are No Rules (1991); Goodfellas (1990); Field of Dreams (1989); Dominick and Eugene (1988); Arena Brains (1987); Something Wild (1986); Our Family Honor (1985); The New Mike Hammer (1984); The Lonely Lady (1983); Casablanca (1983); St. Elsewhere (1983); Another World (1978–1981); Crazy Times (1981); Hardhat and Legs (1980).

Born on this day – Tony Todd:

Tony Todd

Actor

Producer

Director

December 4, 1954 – November 6, 2024

Credits:

21 Jump Street (1987); 24 (2004–2009); 24 in 24 (2009); 24: Redemption (2008); 84 Charing Cross Road (1987); A Night at the Silent Movie Theater (2012); Actors Entertainment (2015); Adam Green's Scary Sleepover (2016); Agoraphobia (2015); All Gone Wrong (2021); American Conjuring (2016); Andromeda (2002); Angel (2000); Are You Scared 2 (2009); Army of the Damned (2013); Artifact (2018); Babylon 5: A Call to Arms (1999); Back 4 Blood (2021); Bad Manners (2020); Badland (2019); Batman: The Brave and the Bold (2009); Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! (2017); Be My Victim (2018); Beastmaster III: The Eye of Braxus (1996); Beg (2011); Behind the Monsters (2021); Beverly Hills, 90210 (1996); Beyond the Game (2016); Bird (1988); Bitch Ass (2022); Bizarre Transmissions from the Bermuda Triangle (2016); Black Fox (1995); Black Fox: Good Men and Bad (1995); Black Fox: The Price of Peace (1995); Bleeding Hearts (2015); Boogeymen: The Killer Compilation (2001); Boston Legal (2007); Boston Public (2000); Bravest Warriors (2014); Broken Cross (2016); Bryan Loves You (2008); Bulletproof 2 (2020); Burnzy's Last Call (1995); Butter (1998); Call of Duty: Black Ops II (2012); Candy Corn (2019); Candyman (1992 / 2021); Candyman: Day of the Dead (1999); Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh (1995); Catfish Christmas (2022); Caught Up (1998); Celebrity Chatter and Things that Matter with Elijah (2023); Celluloid Wizards in the Video Wasteland: The Saga of Empire Pictures (2024); Central Bark (2020); Changing the Game (2012); Charmed (2002); Checking Out (2005); Chicago Massacre: Richard Speck (2007); Chiller 13: The Decade's Scariest Movie Moments (2010); Chuck (2007–2011); Cold Case (2008); Colors (1988); Contamination: A Convention Story (2012); Control Factor (2003); Cop Rock (1990); Cowboy's Girl (2016); Criminal Justice (1990); Criminal Minds (2005); Crossing Jordan (2002); CSI: Miami (2002); Dark Assassin (2005); Dark Reel (2008); Dead in Love (2009); Dead Meat Horror Awards 2022 (2022); Dead of Summer (2016); Dead of the Nite (2013); Death House (2017); Destination Marfa (2021); Devilreaux (2023); Digging Up the Marrow (2014); Disciples (2014); Dixieland (2023); Dockweiler (2008); Dota 2 (2013); Dota Underlords (2020); Dota: Dragon's Blood (2021–2022); Double Toasted (2022); Dream in American (2011); Drive Me to Vegas and Mars (2018); Driven (1996 / 2015); Dust of War (2013); Eli Roth's History of Horror (2018); Enemy Territory (1987); Entertainment Tonight (2022); Excessive Force (1993); Falling Away (2012); Fatal Confession: A Father Dowling Mystery (1991); Fate Upside Down (2019); Film Pigs (2014); Final Destination (2000); Final Destination 2 (2003); Final Destination 3 (2006); Final Destination 5 (2011); First Look: Hatchet II (2011); Frankenstein (2015); FRO Thizzle Reviews (2022); From Jennifer (2017); Game Shop (2012); GeekRockTV (2019); Greatest Ever 80s Movies (2007); Greatest Ever Disaster Movies (2007); Greatest Ever Scary Movies (2006–2007); Groovey.TV's Celebration of Badassery Interview Series (2014); H.P. Lovecraft's Celephaïs (2023); Half-Life 2: Episode Two (2007); Half-Life: Alyx (2020); Halloween Wars (2013); Hatchet (2006); Hatchet II (2010); Hatchet II: Behind the Screams (2011); Hatchet II: Meet the FX Team (2011); Hawaii Five-0 (2012); Heads Will Roll (2019); Heart of the Beholder (2005); Hell Fest (2018); Hellblazers (2022); Hercules: The Legendary Journeys (1995–1998); Holliston (2012); Hollywood Dreams & Nightmares: The Robert Englund Story (2022); Homicide: Life on the Street (1994); Horror Noire (2021); Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror (2019); Horrors of the Zone (2009); House of Grimm (2005); HypaSpace (2005); I Am Fear (2020); I.O.U (2005); Immortal (2019); IMTK (2018); iMurders (2008); Inglorious Treksperts (2023); Insight (2021); Invisible Threads - From Wireless to War (2021); Ivory Hunters (1990); Jack the Reaper (2011); Jake and the Fatman (1990–1991); Joe Bob's Drive-In Theater (1995); Justice League Dark: Apokolips War (2020); Karma's a Bitch (2024); Kate & Allie (1989); Keeper of the City (1991); Kill Her, Not Me (2013); Law & Order (1994); Layers of Fear 2 (2019); Lean on Me (1989); Leap of Faith (2019); Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League vs. Bizarro League (2015); Lego DC Super Heroes: Justice League - Attack of the Legion of Doom! (2015); Live Evil (2015); Love and Curses... And All That Jazz (1991); MacGyver (1989); Made in Hollywood (2018); Marvel Super Hero Squad Online (2011); Masters of Horror (2006); Masters of the Universe: Revelation (2021); Masters of the Universe: Revolution (2024); Matlock (1990); Mercy Street (2006); Minotaur (2006); Murder, She Wrote (1996); Murder-Set-Pieces (2004); New York Undercover (1996); Night Court (1989); Night Night (2021); Night of the Living Dead (1990); Night of the Living Dead: Darkest Dawn (2015); Night Stalker (2005); Nite Tales: The Movie (2008); No me olvidaré de ti (2019); Norman's Corner (1988); NYPD Blue (1997); One for the Fire: The Legacy of 'Night of the Living Dead' (2008); Overdue Rentals (2022); Penance (2009); Peng! Du bist tot! (1987); Platoon (1986); Platoon: Brothers in Arms (2018); Prelude to Axanar (2014); Psych (2009); Radio Nowhere (2024); Realm of Shadows (2024); Red Carpet Report (2012); Reign of the Supermen (2019); Requiem (2018); Riverdale (2017); Room 104 (2017); Sabotage (1996); Sabotage: A Conversation with Tony Todd (2024); Sam Dew: Gone (2020); Scarecrow Slayer (2003); Scary Stories: Dark Web (2020); Scream at the Devil (2015); Scream Awards 2006 (2006); Scream Awards 2007 (2007); Scream Queen Stream (2016–2017); Scream: The TV Series (2019); Shadow Builder (1998); Shadow Puppets (2007); Shadow: Dead Riot (2006); Sidney J. Furie: Fire Up the Carousel! (2024); Silence (2002); Simon & Simon (1987); Sky Sharks (2020); Sleepwalk (1986); Smallville (2001); Smoke and Mirrors: The Story of Tom Savini (2015); Só Visto (2009); Soldier of Fortune, Inc. (1997); Spider-Man 2 (2023); Splatter (2009); Standing in the Shadows of Shadow (2006); Star Trek Online (2010); Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1995–1996); Star Trek: Elite Force II (2003); Star Trek: The Next Generation - Klingon Honor Guard (1998); Star Trek: The Next Generation (1990–1991); Star Trek: Voyager (1995); Stargate SG-1 (2005–2006); Stir (1997); Stoker Hills (2020); Stream (2024); Sunset Heat (1992); Sushi Girl (2012); Sushi Girl: A Documentary (2013); Svengoolie (2006); Sweets to the Sweet: The Candyman Mythos (2004); Sym-Bionic Titan (2010); Tales from the Hood 3 (2020); Ten Dead Men (2008); Terrordrome: Rise of the Boogeymen (2015); The 100 Scariest Movie Moments (2004); The 101 Scariest Horror Movie Moments of All Time (2022); The Absence of Light (2006); The Activated Man (2023); The Angry Geeks Show (2016); The Bride in Black (1990); The Bunker (2024); The Candyman Legacy with Tony Todd (2015); The Changed (2021); The Crow (1994); The Debt Collector (2018); The District (2002–2003); The Dogwalker (1999); The Eden Formula (2006); The Event (2010); The Eyes of Samir (2007); The Family (2011); The Final Wish (2018); The Flash (2015–2023); The Graves (2009); The Horrorhound (2007); The House Next Door: Meet the Blacks 2 (2021); The Legend of Dragoon (1999); The Lockdown Hauntings (2021); The Man from Earth (2007); The Mannsfield 12 (2007); The Nana Project (2023); The Oath: Outbreak (2024); The Orange Box (2007); The Orville (2019); The Pandora Project (1998); The Prophecy: Forsaken (2005); The Quiet Ones (2010); The Reenactment (2021); The Rock (1996); The Secret (2000); The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (2006); The Sun Devil and the Princess (2014); The Thirst: Blood War (2008); The X-Files (1994); The Young and the Restless (2013); Them (1996); Three Chris's (2010); Tom Cool (2009); Tournament of Dreams (2007); Transformers Prime (2012); Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009); Traveling Light (2021); True Women (1997); Turntable (2005); Two Faced (2017); UC: Undercover (2001); Underground Entertainment: The Movie (2011); Univers'l (1997); Vampire in Vegas (2009); VANish (2015); VH-1 Where Are They Now? (1999); Victor Crowley (2017); Voodoo Dawn (1990); Werewolf (1987); West of Hell (2018); Winnie Taylor's 4th & Inches (2024); Wishmaster (1997); Without a Trace (2007); Without Your Head (2020); Worth (2018); Xena: Warrior Princess (1997); Young Justice (2012–2013); Zombie Family (2012); Zombies (2016).

On this day in movie history - Black Widow (movie & novel):

Black Widow

directed by Nunnally Johnson,

written by Nunnally Johnson, Hugh Wheeler, Richard W. Webb / Patrick Quentin,

based on the novel Black Widow a.k.a Fatal Woman by Patrick Quentin,

released in the United States on October 27, 1954.

Music by Leigh Harline.

Cast: Ginger Rogers, Van Heflin, Gene Tierney, George Raft, Peggy Ann Garner, Reginald Gardiner, Virginia Leith, Otto Kruger, Cathleen Nesbitt, Skip Homeier, Hilda Simms, Mabel Albertson, Edward Astran, Bea Benaderet, Mary Benoit, Nesdon Booth, Paul Bradley, Harry Carter, Paul Cristo, Oliver Cross, Frances Curry, Richard H. Cutting, Anthony De Mario, Franklyn Farnum, Dick Gordon, Robert Haines, Kenner G. Kemp, Paul Kruger, Robert Locke Lorraine, Virginia Maples, Harold Miller, Forbes Murray, Monty O'Grady, Leoda Richards, Loretta Russell, Cosmo Sardo, Jeffrey Sayre, Aaron Spelling, Bert Stevens, James Stone, Arthur Tovey, Michael Vallon, Geraldine Wall, Pat White, Frank Wilcox, Wilson Wood.

Recommended reading:

Black Widow

a.k.a Fatal Woman

By Patrick Quentin.

ASIN: B00231R78W

Published by Simon & Schuster.

Published 1952.

Description:

Duluth, a Broadway producer and amateur detective, is baffled when his wife, Iris, discovers the body of Nanny Ordway, an aspiring writer he had recently befriended.

On this day in movie history - Down Three Dark Streets (1954):

Down Three Dark Streets

directed by Arnold Laven,

written by Gordon Gordon and Bernard C. Schonefeld,

based on the novel Case File: FBI by Mildred Gordon,

was released in the United States on September 3, 1954.
Music by Paul Sawtell.

Cast:

Broderick Crawford, Ruth Roman, Martha Hyer, Marisa Pavan, Max Showalter, Kenneth Tobey, Gene Reynolds, William Johnstone, Harlan Warde, Jay Adler, Claude Akins, Suzanne Alexander, Myra Marsh, Joe Basselt, William Schallert.

On this day in movie history - Naked Alibi (1954):

Naked Alibi

directed by Jerry Hopper,

written by Lawrence Roman,

based on the story Cry Copper by J. Robert Bren and Gladys Atwater,

was released in the United States on September 2, 1954.
Music by Hans J. Salter and Frank Skinner.

Cast:

Sterling Hayden, Gloria Grahame, Gene Barry, Marcia Henderson, Max Showalter, Billy Chapin, Chuck Connors, Don Haggerty, Stuart Randall, Don Garrett, Richard Beach, Tol Avery, Paul Levitt, Fay Roope, Joseph Mell, John Alvin, Dee Carroll, Cheryll Clarke, Dick Crockett, Dean Cromer, John Daheim, Alan DeWitt, Herbert Ellis, Michael Fox, Phil Garris, Sol Gorss, Jo Ann Greer, Brett Halsey, Beverly Ruth Jordan, Byron Keith, Kenner G. Kemp, Mike Mahoney, Frank Marlowe, Barbara Marshall, Forbes Murray, Paul Newlan, William H. O'Brien, Kathleen O'Malley, Alan Paige, Eddie Parker, Byron Poindexter, Ray Quinn, Carlos Rivero, Robert Stevenson, Jack Stoney, Max Trumpower, Frank Wilcox, Lewis Wilson, Bud Wolfe.