The Sniper (1952)

Set in San Francisco, a misogynist serial killer (Arthur Franz) randomly murders women which strikes terror among the populace. The two police detectives (Adolphe Menjou, Gerald Mohr) assigned to the case are stumped by the lack of clues until a psychiatrist (Richard Kiley) points the way. Directed by Edward Dmytryk (CROSSFIRE), the movie in its own way is as unsettling as PEEPING TOM. For a minor B film, it has some impressive credentials behind the camera. Oscar winning writer Harry Brown (A PLACE IN THE SUN) did the screenplay from a story by Edward and Edna Anhalt (PANIC IN THE STREETS), cinematography by Burnett Guffey (BONNIE AND CLYDE) and a score by George Antheil. Filmed on location, there's an almost documentary like feel to the film. On the downside, this was produced by Stanley Kramer so there's a social message. Namely, the early discovery and treatment of sex offenders before they become a threat to society. A noble and good idea but when Richard Kiley's psychiatrist gives his heavy handed big speech, the film shuts down. The movie never gives us an explanation of the killer's motive other than a generic "blame mother" diagnosis. The film walks a fine line between exploitation and social drama. With Marie Windsor as the first victim (and a shocking exit), Frank Faylen, Robin Raymond, Carl Benton Reid, Jean Willes and Lilian Bond.