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The Wages of Fear (1953)

“‘Dynamic’ ‘Tremendous’ ‘Shattering’”

8.0/10 · 1,134 votes 2h 34m pg-13 AdventureThrillerDrama

#2 of 16 films from 1953 #63 of 1617 in adventure

Directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot · Written by Henri-Georges Clouzot, Jérôme Géronimi, Georges Arnaud

▶ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

In a run-down South American town, four men are paid to drive trucks loaded with nitroglycerin into the jungle through to the oil field. Friendships are tested and rivalries develop as they embark upon the perilous journey.

Cast

Yves Montandas Mario Livi
Charles Vanelas Mr. Jo
Peter van Eyckas Bimba
Folco Lullias Luigi
Véra Clouzotas Linda
Antonio Centaas Camp Chief
Jo Destas Hans Smerloff
Darío Morenoas Pepito Hernandez
William Tubbsas Bill O'Brien
Darling Légitimusas Rosa
Luis De Limaas Bernardo
Grégoire Gromoff
Joseph Palau-Fabre
François Valorbeas (uncredited)

Facts

Release dateApril 22, 1953
Runtime154 min (2h 34m) — longer as the 1953 average of 103 min
GenresAdventure, Thriller, Drama
Original titleLe Salaire de la peur
LanguageFR
IMDbtt0046268

More from Henri-Georges Clouzot

DiaboliqueDiabolique1955 · ★ 7.9 · 1h 58m

If you liked The Wages of Fear

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The Guns of NavaroneThe Guns of Navarone1961 · ★ 7.3 · 2h 40m Rear WindowRear Window1954 · ★ 8.3 · 1h 53m Le TrouLe Trou1960 · ★ 8.2 · 2h 12m YojimboYojimbo1961 · ★ 8.1 · 1h 50m The Treasure of the Sierra MadreThe Treasure of the Sierra Madre1948 · ★ 8.0 · 2h 6m North by NorthwestNorth by Northwest1959 · ★ 8.0 · 2h 17m Dial M for MurderDial M for Murder1954 · ★ 8.0 · 1h 45m A Man EscapedA Man Escaped1956 · ★ 8.0 · 1h 41m

Questions

How long is The Wages of Fear?
The Wages of Fear runs 154 minutes (2h 34m), which is long for a adventure — plan for it.
Is The Wages of Fear worth watching?
TMDB users give it 8/10 across 1,134 votes, which places it #2 of 16 films released in 1953 in this index (top 94%) and #63 among 1617 adventure titles.
Who directed The Wages of Fear?
The Wages of Fear was directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot. Other well-rated titles by the same director: Diabolique (1955).
Who stars in The Wages of Fear?
Yves Montand as Mario Livi; Charles Vanel as Mr. Jo; Peter van Eyck as Bimba; Folco Lulli as Luigi; Véra Clouzot as Linda; Antonio Centa as Camp Chief.
What is The Wages of Fear rated?
It carries a pg-13 certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for The Wages of Fear?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/59743.

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Best of 1953Best adventureAdventure of the 1950sBest thrillerThriller of the 1950sBest dramaDrama of the 1950sAll lists
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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.