Wetbacks
“BORDER TRAFFIC IN HUMAN LIVES!”
Synopsis
Former Coastguardsmen Jim Benson is about to lose his boat when a couple approaches him for a fishing charter. Jim departs just ahead of the Sherrif with drunken Shanks, and his companion Sally (Gates). Shanks takes off into a small Mexican village after a fight with Jim, stranding both Sally and him with no money. Two local men hear of Jim's plight, and offer him money to smuggle a batch of illegal aliens, called Wetbacks, into the U.S. He agrees but is blackmailed into continuing to run the smuggling operation. Afraid, Jim decides to make a run for it, but someone close to him reveals themselves as a US Immigration agent and asks him to assist them in shutting down the smugglers for good.
Top Cast
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Lloyd Bridges
Jim Benson
Nancy Gates
Sally Parker
Barton MacLane
Karl Shanks
John Hoyt
Steve Bodine
Harold Peary
Juan Ortega
Nacho Galindo
Alfonso
Robert Keys
Reeser
Salvador Baguez
Mexican Policeman
Jose Gonzales-Gonzales
Wetback
Louis Jean Heydt
Coast Guard Comdr. Randall
Roy Gordon
Hoppy
Scott Douglas
Immigration Officer
I. Stanford Jolley
Fred
Wally Cassell
Coast Guard lieutenant
Gene Roth
Truck Thug
Release History & Theatrical Window
May 4, 1956
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Hank McCune
- Screenplay & Story
- Edward D. Wood Jr.
- Original Title
- Wetbacks
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 29m
- Production Studios
- Banner Productions
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Hank McCune
Edward D. Wood Jr.
Department Leadership Roster
Hank McCune
Director
Edward D. Wood Jr.
Writer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Wetbacks.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Wetbacks.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Wetbacks
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Wetbacks about?
Former Coastguardsmen Jim Benson is about to lose his boat when a couple approaches him for a fishing charter. Jim departs just ahead of the Sherrif with drunken Shanks, and his companion Sally (Gates). Shanks takes off into a small Mexican village after a fight with Jim, stranding both Sally and him with no money. Two local men hear of Jim's plight, and offer him money to smuggle a batch of illegal aliens, called Wetbacks, into the U.S. He agrees but is blackmailed into continuing to run the smuggling operation. Afraid, Jim decides to make a run for it, but someone close to him reveals themselves as a US Immigration agent and asks him to assist them in shutting down the smugglers for good.
Who directed Wetbacks?
Wetbacks was directed by Hank McCune.
Who stars in Wetbacks?
The principal cast of Wetbacks includes Lloyd Bridges, Nancy Gates, Barton MacLane, John Hoyt, Harold Peary.
When was Wetbacks released and how long is it?
Wetbacks was released in 1956 with a total runtime of 1h 29m.