Tough guy Steve Cochran (Private Hell 36) immolates the screen as the homicidal leader of the Tri-State Gang (the film was retitled Der Panther in Germany due to his character’s predatory nature). Cochran’s mob elude capture by the cops due to their repeated crossings into Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina to perpetrate their heists. Jitters set in as their reckless run takes its toll, and Cochran has trouble keeping the gang together. The innocent girlfriend (Gaby Andre) of one of the group unknowingly threatens their security. Gang moll, Mary (Virginia Grey) grows weary of the dog-eat-dog ruthlessness and begins plotting ways to hasten Cochran’s downfall. Based on a true story, writer/director Andrew L. Stone keeps things popping at a brisk clip, and his cast of lesser known actors jack the credibility quotient high. Surprising at the time for its display of graphic violence, some of the killings still pack a jolt. Then top New York critic Bosley Crowther panned it for its “sadism.” One of filmmaker Stone’s best. Co-starring a very young Robert Webber and Richard Egan.
Ariel Schudson discusses Highway 301 on the New Beverly blog.
