In the film This Gun for Hire, as supporting actor, Alan Ladd's performance as a cold, ruthless killer with a core of sadness had an impact on audiences. He became an immediate star and helped launch the age of film noir. In 1954, Photoplay magazine voted him the world's most popular male film star. Ironically, Ladd and the female star of the year, Marilyn Monroe, both headed for self-destruction.