Cubs BCB After Dark: Would you call up Owen Ayers?

Tonight, BCB After Dark delves into the world of cinema with a look at the 1952 film, The Sniper, directed by Edward Dmytryk. The movie tells the disturbing story of Eddie Miller, a mentally-ill serial killer who takes aim at brunette women from a distance with an M1 rifle. Arthur Franz delivers a haunting performance as Miller, a socially-awkward man who becomes increasingly enraged at being repeatedly rejected by women.

The film features a strong supporting cast including Adolphe Menjou as police lieutenant Frank Kafka, who struggles to catch Miller.

As we examine The Sniper, we are reminded of the film's relevance to today's discussions surrounding mental illness and sex crimes. The movie's message about the importance of locking up sex offenders after their first offense, while noble, remains problematic. Additionally, the film's prediction of the Texas Tower sniper shooting in 1966 14 years before it occurred shows its prescient nature. Arthur Franz's portrayal of Miller stands out as the film's most compelling aspect.