Pay or Die!
“The Threat...and The Picture...You'll Never Forget!”
Synopsis
A beautifully rendered, fact-based crime film about a crusading Italian policeman battling Black Hand extortionists in New York’s Little Italy is back on the big screen. In addition to Ernest Borgnine’s brilliantly sensitive portrayal as Lieutenant Joseph Petrosino, this engrossing picture is deftly photographed by Lucien Ballard, beautifully scored by David Raksin with a stellar supporting cast including Zohra Lampert and Alan Austin. Literate, suspenseful and emotionally moving, this memorable film remains the definitive depiction about the emergence of the Mafia in America.
Top Cast
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Ernest Borgnine
Police Lt. Joseph Petrosino
Zohra Lampert
Adelina Saulino
Renata Vanni
Mama Saulino
Bruno Della Santina
Papa Saulino
Franco Corsaro
Vito Zarillo
Robert F. Simon
Police Commissioner
Robert Ellenstein
Luigi Di Sarno
Howard Caine
Enrico Caruso
Barry Russo
Lupo Miano (as John Duke)
Vito Scotti
Officer Simonetti
John Marley
D. Caputo, Ragman
Alan Austin
Johnny Viscardi
Sheryl Deauville
Girl attacked in Laundry Scene by Mafia
Delia Salvi
Miss Salvi
Margarita Cordova
Lupo's Girl
David Fresco
Triscola
Release History & Theatrical Window
July 27, 1960
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Richard Wilson
- Screenplay & Story
- Richard Collins, Bertram Millhauser
- Original Score
- David Raksin
- Original Title
- Pay or Die!
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 51m
- Production Studios
- Allied Artists Pictures
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Richard Wilson
Richard Collins, Bertram Millhauser
David Raksin
Lucien Ballard
Walter Hannemann
Richard Wilson
Department Leadership Roster
Lucien Ballard
Director of Photography
Richard Collins
Writer
David Raksin
Original Music Composer
Richard Wilson
Producer
Richard Wilson
Director
Walter Hannemann
Editor
Bertram Millhauser
Writer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Pay or Die!.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pay or Die!
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Pay or Die! about?
A beautifully rendered, fact-based crime film about a crusading Italian policeman battling Black Hand extortionists in New York’s Little Italy is back on the big screen. In addition to Ernest Borgnine’s brilliantly sensitive portrayal as Lieutenant Joseph Petrosino, this engrossing picture is deftly photographed by Lucien Ballard, beautifully scored by David Raksin with a stellar supporting cast including Zohra Lampert and Alan Austin. Literate, suspenseful and emotionally moving, this memorable film remains the definitive depiction about the emergence of the Mafia in America.
Who directed Pay or Die!?
Pay or Die! was directed by Richard Wilson.
Who stars in Pay or Die!?
The principal cast of Pay or Die! includes Ernest Borgnine, Zohra Lampert, Renata Vanni, Bruno Della Santina, Franco Corsaro.
When was Pay or Die! released and how long is it?
Pay or Die! was released in 1960 with a total runtime of 1h 51m.
Who composed the musical score for Pay or Die!?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Pay or Die! was composed by David Raksin.