A former prisoner of war, Frank Enley is hailed as a hero in his California town. However, Frank has a shameful secret that comes back to haunt him when fellow survivor Joe Parkson emerges, intent on making Frank pay for his past deeds.

Van Heflin
as Frank R. Enley

Robert Ryan
as Joe Parkson

Janet Leigh
as Edith Enley

Mary Astor
as Pat

Phyllis Thaxter
as Ann

Berry Kroeger
as Johnny

Taylor Holmes
as Gavery

Harry Antrim
as Fred

Connie Gilchrist
as Martha

Will Wright
as Pop
John Chard
Post war scabs are picked off with noirish bleakness by Zinnerman and his terrific cast. Act of Violence is directed by Fred Zinnemann and adapted for the screen by Robert L. Richards from a story by Collier Young. It stars Van Heflin, Robert Ryan, and Janet Leigh, with support coming from Mary ...