Wages of Fear

Directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot
Starring: Yves Montand, Charles Vanel, Peter Van Eyck
1953

The Wages of Fear (Le Salaire de la Peur) is among the most suspenseful films of the 1950s, notable for slowly building character development and atmosphere before its dramatic climax. In its original 148-minute version, the story lags in spots as director Henri-Georges Clouzot indulges some anti-United States propaganda. Not surprisingly, the film was re-edited for release in the U.S., and many critics preferred the faster pacing and more focused narrative. International acclaim came quickly, including the Grand Prix at the 1953 Cannes Film Festival. Yves Montand gives one of his best performances, though current-day audiences may find his character's chauvinism and condescension toward women unappealing.

The film is considered as one of the most nerve-wracking and exciting films ever made. It tells the story of an American oil company that enlists four tough drifters for a high-paying suicide mission - transporting explosives across the rough terrain of Central America.