The presence of Zachary Scott is particularly unsettling in this bleak story about six escaped prisoners seeking refuge from a harsh winter while searching for $40,000. Upon reaching an isolated village, they find the men are absent, leaving behind the women and children under the strict rule of "Granny" (Ethel Barrymore). Despite the deep snow, one might not anticipate any real threat, but these men possess weapons …

The Secret of Convict Lake, with Michael Gordon at the helm and credited to Anna Hunger, Jack Pollexfen, Oscar Saul, and Victor Trivas, features Glenn Ford, Gene Tierney, Ethel Barrymore, Zachary Scott, Ann Dvorak, Barbara Bates, Cyril Cusack, Richard Hylton, Helen Westcott, and Jeanette Nolan. Sol Kaplan handled the music, while Leo Tover was responsible for the cinematography. “I came here to kill one man. I don…