Split Second (1953): cast, story & where to watch

1953 · Film · ★ 6.2

Split Second poster

Released in 1953, Split Second is a thriller, drama and crime film directed by Dick Powell, running about 85 minutes. “Steel Your Nerves! Here's excitement that will smash them!” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Escaped convicts hold hostages in a ghost town targeted for a nuclear bomb test.

Who’s in it. Split Second stars Stephen McNally as Sam Hurley, Alexis Smith as Kay Garven, Jan Sterling as Dorothy 'Dottie' Vale and Keith Andes as Larry Fleming, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.2/10, Split Second has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Split Second page.

If you liked it. Fans of Split Second tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, Pulp Fiction, Parasite and Fight Club.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch Split Second (1953)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for Split Second change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is Split Second worth watching?
Split Second holds an audience score of 6.2 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy thriller, drama and crime. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
Who stars in Split Second?
Split Second stars Stephen McNally, Alexis Smith, Jan Sterling, Keith Andes and Arthur Hunnicutt.
When was Split Second released?
Split Second was released in 1953, with a runtime of about 85 minutes.