The Fearmakers is the 1958 thriller starring Dana Andrews. He plays a veteran named Alan Eaton, who is a former prisoner of war. He accepts a contract for his company, Eaton and Baker Associates, from Dr. Jessup, who is a member of an anti-nuclear group. However, he finds out that his partner, Baker, has died mysteriously and sold the business to Jim McGuiness. Alan is even more disturbed to find out that his business may have become a propaganda machine. A reporter named Hillyer also has suspicions and tells them to Alan. He decides to find out the truth. Can Alan do it without suffering the same fate as Baker?
The most interesting thing about this movie is that although it specifically refers to communism, the story is timeless. Any group could use propaganda to make themselves look good. It’s a hybrid of film noir and a social commentary picture. The film is very good at keeping the viewer on the edge of their seats. It’s smart enough not to beat us over the head with an anti-communist message that is rigidly nationalistic. In the end, it’s a good film that has withstood the test of time. Honolulu film fans should watch this movie.
More at: Tricia’s Retro Film Reviews
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