The Narrow Margin (1952) is an American film noir directed by Richard Fleischer and written by Earl Belton, based on an unpublished story written by Martin Goldsmith and Jack Leonard. Writers Goldsmith and Leonard were nominated for an Academy Award for their story.

The picture stars Charles McGraw, Marie Windsor and Jacqueline White. It was released by RKO Radio Pictures.

The story tells a cat-and-mouse stalk aboard a California-bound train. Walter Brown, a tough and conscientious detective, is assigned to safeguard a slain gangster's widow until she can testify before a Los Angeles grand jury. Keeping her alive keeps Brown busy.