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Cover of This Gun for Hire

film

This Gun for Hire

1942

Sadistic killer-for-hire Philip Raven becomes enraged when his latest job is paid off in marked bills. Vowing to track down his double-crossing boss, nightclub executive Gates, Raven sits beside Gates' lovely new employee, Ellen, on a train out of town. Although Ellen is engaged to marry the police lieutenant who's hunting down Raven, she decides to try and set the misguided hit man straight as he hides from the cops and plots his revenge.

Ages 15+Source checked

Why this age? The film’s central premise involves a sadistic hitman, murder, revenge, police pursuit, shootouts, and morally complex adult themes. Violence is more serious than graphic, but the noir tone is mature. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age15+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Violence4/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Positive messages3/5
  • Creativity & curiosity2/5

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What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Murder is central to the story, with a hired killer and deadly confrontations driving the plot.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Violence is period-appropriate and non-graphic, focusing on action rather than blood.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Mild, period-appropriate language; no strong profanity.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Ellen’s engagement and her connection with Raven add romantic tension, but romance is secondary to the crime narrative.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Paranoia, pursuit, hiding from police, a dangerous killer, and tense confrontations create sustained thriller suspense.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Some mild flirtation and adult character dynamics, standard for 1940s cinema.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Typical of the era, smoking and social drinking occur.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

The plot centers on a contract killer, murder, revenge, police pursuit, and shootouts; violence is serious and crime-focused.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Characters face danger and pursue justice, while Ellen shows moral courage by confronting and trying to reform Raven.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Represents a hallmark of creative suspense storytelling in the film noir era.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Typical 1940s casting; very limited ethnic or social diversity.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

It offers incidental insight into wartime-era crime, policing, and film-noir storytelling rather than formal instruction.

Kindness & empathy1/5
Why this rating?

Moments of empathy and compassion are present, contrasting with the protagonist's darkness.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The story explores betrayal, moral choice, corruption, and whether a violent man can change, though it remains morally dark.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

Ellen’s attempt to steer Raven toward better choices is constructive, but the central character is a dangerous killer.

Family discussion

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in This Gun for Hire would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in This Gun for Hire, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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