The Killer That Stalked New York (1950) in Color — Starring Evelyn Keyes & Charles Korvin

The Killer That Stalked New York (1950) — Buy This Classic in Color

Released in 1950, this gripping crime thriller blends noir tension with public-health suspense. Directed by Earl McEvoy, The Killer That Stalked New York stars Evelyn Keyes as Sheila Bennet, a jewel smuggler infected with smallpox, alongside Charles Korvin as a weary federal agent and William Bishop as her estranged husband. The story follows Sheila’s desperate flight through New York City as she unwittingly spreads a deadly epidemic. With atmospheric locations and taut performances, this rarely-seen classic is a must-watch for fans of film noir and vintage thrillers. Own this classic movie in color as a DRM-free MP4 digital download for just €15.00.

Plot Summary

Sheila Bennet (Evelyn Keyes) arrives in New York City from Cuba, carrying a cache of smuggled diamonds and a dangerous secret: she is a carrier of smallpox. Unaware of her infection, she reunites with her husband, Matt Kincaid (William Bishop), a struggling musician who has distanced himself from her criminal past. Meanwhile, federal agent Charles Korvin (as Dr. Ben Wood) learns of the outbreak threat and begins a frantic search for the source, racing against a citywide quarantine.

As Sheila tries to sell the diamonds and flee, she crosses paths with a series of small-time crooks and underworld figures. The infection begins to spread among those she encounters, and the death toll rises. Dr. Wood coordinates with local health authorities, using contact tracing to narrow down the carrier’s movements. The film intercuts Sheila’s increasingly frantic attempts to escape with the medical crisis unfolding across neighborhoods.

The tension escalates when Sheila’s contact is found dead, and she realises she is being pursued not only by the law but also by an ex-lover who wants the diamonds. Her health deteriorates, and she must hide her worsening symptoms while the police close in. The city’s hospitals fill, and panic grips the public. In a harrowing scene, a young girl succumbs to the disease, underscoring the stakes.

Matt, torn between love and disgust for Sheila’s crimes, helps her evade capture even as he grows ill himself. Dr. Wood appeals to the public through radio broadcasts, urging anyone with symptoms to come forward. Sheila’s condition becomes critical, and she is eventually traced to a rundown hotel. But before the authorities can take her, she collapses — a moment that forces everyone to confront the human cost of her actions.

The climax unfolds in a crowded tenement where Sheila, feverish and hallucinating, is cornered. Dr. Wood must choose between containing the outbreak and saving her life. The ending resolves the epidemiological mystery while asking whether a single person’s fear can justify the danger they pose to others. Did Sheila’s flight doom the city, or did the medical response come in time?

Cast & Crew

Director: Earl McEvoy
Stars: Evelyn Keyes, Charles Korvin, William Bishop, Dorothy Malone, Lola Albright

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

Watching The Killer That Stalked New York in color transforms the viewing experience. The professional colourised version restores period-accurate hues to postwar New York: the muted browns of tenement hallways, the neon glow of nightclubs, and the clinical white of hospital isolation rooms. The restoration reveals subtle set details and costume textures that were lost in the original black and white — from Sheila’s fashionable dresses to the weary faces of doctors. Color deepens the film’s mood, making the threat of smallpox feel more immediate and visceral. With the performances brought into sharper focus, the drama gains new emotional resonance. Buy this HD download at €15.00 and enjoy instant DRM-free MP4 delivery.

Historical Significance

The Killer That Stalked New York stands as one of the earliest American films to tackle a public-health crisis with journalistic realism. Based loosely on a 1947 smallpox outbreak in New York City (which was real and contained quickly), the film blends documentary-style medical detail with classic noir tropes. Director Earl McEvoy, primarily a television director, brought a tight, efficient style that keeps the story moving. The cast features Evelyn Keyes in a rare leading role that balances vulnerability with hard-bitten survivalism, and Dorothy Malone in an early supporting part as a nightclub singer.

The film was released during a period when Hollywood was increasingly drawn to semi-documentary crime stories, following hits like The Naked City (1948). Its mix of urban location shooting and studio soundstage work gives it a gritty authenticity. Critics at the time praised its suspense but noted the unflinching depiction of disease. Today, it is a fascinating time capsule both of postwar anxieties about contagion and of the film noir style in transition. The colorized version helps introduce this obscure but valuable picture to modern audiences who might otherwise overlook its stark black-and-white original.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 / MKV digital download
• Resolution: HD 720p
• Colorized: Professionally colorized from original black and white
• Audio: English original mono
• Runtime: 79 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes — watch on any device
• Instant download: Available immediately after purchase
• Price: €15.00 (token, rendered by the site)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Was The Killer That Stalked New York originally filmed in color?
A: No, the film was shot in black and white. This page offers a later professional colorized restoration, not a studio colour release.

Q: Is the smallpox outbreak depicted in the film based on a real event?
A: Yes, the movie was inspired by a real 1947 smallpox outbreak in New York City that was contained through mass vaccination. The plot and characters are fictionalized.

Q: Which notable film noir actors appear in the cast besides Evelyn Keyes?
A: The film features Charles Korvin, best known for Berlin Express (1948), and Lola Albright, who later starred in the TV series Peter Gunn. Dorothy Malone also appears early in her career.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as MP4 and MKV files that play on virtually any device.
Q: Is there DRM on the file?
A: No. The download is completely DRM-free so you can watch it on any device without restrictions.
Q: How quickly can I watch after purchase?
A: Your download link is available instantly after payment, so you can start watching within minutes.

Related Colorized Classics

• The Bandit (1953)
• Armored Car Robbery (1950)
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