Watch Hell's Half Acre

Hell's Half Acre is a 1954 film noir directed by John H. Auer and starring Wendell Corey, Evelyn Keyes, and Elsa Lanchester. The film is a gripping crime drama set in Honolulu, Hawaii, which follows the story of a retired police officer-turned private detective and his investigation into a high-profile murder case. The film begins with the discovery of a young woman's body on a remote beach in Honolulu. The victim is identified as Donna Williams, a wealthy socialite who was last seen alive at a nightclub in Hell's Half Acre, a notorious red-light district in the city.

The case is taken up by retired cop turned private detective, John Triton (Wendell Corey), who has a reputation for being a tough and relentless investigator. Triton's methods involve going undercover and infiltrating the seedy world of Hell's Half Acre, where he discovers a tangled web of deceit, greed, and corruption.

Triton's investigation leads him to a variety of suspects, including a nightclub owner, a wealthy businessman, a police captain, and a mysterious woman with a hidden agenda. Along the way, Triton encounters a cast of intriguing characters, such as a tough-talking nightclub singer (Evelyn Keyes) and a flamboyant and eccentric landlady (Elsa Lanchester).

As Triton delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a complex web of lies and secrets that threaten to unravel his investigation and put his own life in danger. With the clock ticking, Triton must race against time to solve the case before another victim falls prey to the deadly forces at work in Hell's Half Acre.

The film's portrayal of Honolulu's seedy underworld is one of its greatest strengths. Director John Auer masterfully creates a vivid and gritty atmosphere that is both haunting and unsettling. The depiction of Hell's Half Acre is particularly noteworthy, as the film captures the district's dark and foreboding nature without resorting to caricature or stereotype.

The film also benefits from strong performances by the lead actors. Wendell Corey is excellent as John Triton, bringing a sense of grit and determination to the role. Evelyn Keyes is equally compelling as singer/former prostitute, Joyce Mitchell, while Elsa Lanchester is a delight as the quirky landlady, Mrs. Hardy.

Overall, Hell's Half Acre is a gripping and entertaining crime drama that doesn't disappoint. The film's intricate plot, strong performances, and vivid atmosphere make it one of the most compelling film noirs of its era. If you're a fan of classic crime dramas, this one is definitely worth checking out.

Hell's Half Acre is a 1954 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.