Robert Lowery, born in 1913, was an American actor known for his diverse roles across film and television. In They Made Me a Killer (1946), he delivers a compelling performance as the protagonist grappling with false accusations and the harsh realities of a criminal justice system gone awry. With a career that included over 70 films, Lowery's contributions to the genre of noir and exploitation cinema are particularly resonant, showcasing his ability to navigate complex characters in a post-war context.
They Made Me a Killer
After his brother is killed in an accident, Tom Durling quits his job and drives across country. He gives an attractive girl a ride and is subsequently forced at gun point to be the driver in a bank robbery. During the crime another innocent man, Steve Reynolds, is involved and killed in the escape. After a high-speed chase, the car crashes and Durling is knocked unconscious. The bandits get away, the police arrest Durling and refuse to believe that he isn't one of the robbers. Durling escapes the police then later teams with Reynolds' sister in an attempt to prove his innocence. The trail leads to a small roadside diner where the two end up finding the gang hiding out in the building's basement. They go undercover, she as a waitress and Durling joining the gang. In the end, they trick the criminals into confessing their crimes. Durling's reputation is saved, and the criminals, led by a Ma Barker-type mom, get shot up.
