Plot Summary for
Trap, The (1959)
Lawyer Ralph Anderson arrives in Tula, an amazingly remote town in the desert, as reluctant emissary of mob chief Victor Massonetti, who wants the airstrip clear for his unofficial exit from the country. Ralph's arrival has a profound effect on his estranged father, the sheriff; his brother Tip, an alcoholic deputy; and his ex-sweetheart Linda, now married to Tip. Tension builds as a small army of gangsters takes over the town. Then the situation abruptly changes...

Summary written by Rod Crawford {puffinus@u.washington.edu}



viewer's comments:



- Taut and suspenseful drama
This is well acted and directed. The mood is set right from the beginning, and Tula is no town for the faint of heart. Widmark and Cobb are terrific, and the supporting cast matches them every step of the way. Toward the end, some plot holes become apparent under close examination, but the ride is worth taking.



Full Cast and Crew for
Trap, The (1959)


Directed by
Norman Panama

Writing credits
Richard Alan Simmons and
Norman Panama


Cast (in credits order) complete, awaiting verification
Richard Widmark .... Ralph Anderson
Lee J. Cobb .... Victor Massonetti
Tina Louise .... Linda Anderson
Earl Holliman .... Tippy Anderson
Carl Benton Reid .... Sheriff Anderson
Lorne Greene .... Davis
Peter Baldwin .... Mellon
Chuck Wassil .... First Policeman
Richard Shannon .... Len Karger
Carl Milletaire .... Joey
rest of cast listed alphabetically
Walter Coy .... (uncredited)



Also Known As:
Baited Trap, The (1959) (UK)
Runtime: 84 min
Country: USA
Language: English
Color: Color (Technicolor)
Sound Mix: Mono