"Show Them No Mercy" is a terrific crime film and much of the reason is that the studio allowed the bad guys to be really, really sadistic. And, the finale is one that shocked me, as I didn't think they could get away with a scene that violent after the new Production Code was enforced in mid-1934. Somehow this one got past the censors...and I am glad it did!
When the film begins, there's been a kidnapping and four scum-bags are responsible. But the laugh's on the kidnappers...the ransom money is marked and they don't know it. But the kidnappers aren't stupid and their boss (Cesar Romero) goes to towns well away from the hideout to spend a tiny bit of the money to see what happens. Stupidly, the police then announce that some of the ransom has been spent and that the money was marked (a mistake...this should NOT have been in the film).
In the meantime, a nice couple and their baby have car trouble on a rainy night and they seek refuge in an old house. This old house turns out to be the hideout and the three are kept prisoner there through most of the film. The most evil of the criminals (Bruce Cabot) wants to kill them...even though one is just a sick little baby! Nice guy, huh?! Will the baddies kill the family, will the police find them in time or will one of the family members need to take matters into their own hands? See the film and see for yourself.
What makes this a great crime film is the finale--a brutal but very satisfying finale. Plus, the ending is NOT what you'd expect...and it sure ain't formulaic. Excellent acting, great tension and a breezy plot...this is a terrific crime film you must see. Tough and unforgiving from start to finish!