The Killers, sometimes called Ernest Hemingway's The Killers, was the first movie that was "made for TV" however because of the violence in the film, NBC refused to air it. It was then decided to release the movie in theaters instead. The film was directed by Don Siegel. Siegel was hired to direct the first 1946 film version of Ernest Hemingway's story, but he was replaced only to make this version eighteen years later. During filming, according to the DVD commentary, Angie Dickinson received the news that friend (and rumored romantic partner) President John F. Kennedy was shot and killed.

This was Ronald Reagan's last acting role before entering politics. It was Reagan's only bad-guy role in his career. According to Kirk Douglas' biography "Bagman's Son," Regean hated the movie because he played a heavy seen slapping Dickenson hard in the face. Reagen thought the film would hurt his political career. Actress Virginia Christine was also in the 1946 version.

Writing credits

Ernest Hemingway (story)
Gene L. Coon

Awards

Marvin received the 1965 BAFTA Award for Best Actor for this role as well as his role in Cat Ballou.

Cast

Lee Marvin .... Charlie Strom
Angie Dickinson .... Sheila Farr
John Cassavetes .... Johnny North
Clu Gulager .... Lee
Claude Akins .... Earl Sylvester
Norman Fell .... Mickey Farmer
Ronald Reagan .... Jack Browning
Virginia Christine .... Miss Watson