I Wake Up Screaming

Laird Cregar as a creepy detective lends an added air of menace to this intense film noir. Victor Mature stars as Frankie Christopher, a Hollywood agent who finds himself accused of murdering his client Vicky Lynn (Carole Landis). Frankie takes refuge with Vicky's sister Jill (Betty Grable, in her first non-musical performance). But on his heels is back-street detective Ed Cornell (Laird Cregar). Coming upon Frankie and Jill, he tries to tell Frankie that although he doesn't think Frankie is guilty, there is enough evidence for him to fry in the electric chair. Not particularly reassured by the news, Frankie bolts to try and clear his name. Then he comes upon Vicky's troubled neighbor Harry Williams (Elisha Cook Jr.) who not only has pictures of the murdered actress pasted all over his walls, but holds the key to the crime.