Huston's film noir heist film is as direct and tough as a sock to the gut. Huston's directing is a model of unfussy efficiency, handling the many complexities of the plot with ease and allowing for plenty of room to get at the underlying psychologies of the various troubled souls onscreen. The performances are largely undistinguished, but it is interesting to see Marilyn Monroe in an early role, clearly trying to challenge herself as an actress.

From a neutral perspective this is a fairly good noirish-heist flick, with a common plot... but some good themes and moral decisions to add color and interest. The characterization was the biggest highlight, and there was a lot of depth for those who desire this. Lacked either flair or something else to distinguish it from the pack, though.

Nice noir film, featuring one of Marilyn Monroe's early roles in a small part. A heist picture, which are often not my favorite types, but a very well made one. I can see shades of Mieville's later works in this

Classic film noir with a great focus on the characters.

Great movie about a bank job doomed from the start. Most caper films are about process; this one is about failure, and the character flaws that invite it. A fine ensemble cast.

Just what a caper-noir should be!

306

Never transcended into a great movie for me. It's cool and I love how everyone gets screwed but it has some bad pacing issues that are almost inexcusable considering how great the dialogue, situations and people involved are. Could've been something real special instead of becoming forgettable.

i was bored

A great heist film, a great film noir, and a great character piece. The script is tight and intriguing. Dialog is classic gangster lingo. It's a pleasure watching the stories of the (very fleshed out) characters unfold, as well as the heist plot. The direction is top notch, with touches of noir style in every frame: faces dimly lit in the shadows are a recurring motif here, and it's quite enjoyable to see. A really good movie.

"One way or another, we all work for our vice." And how each of the character's vice leads to their demise.. beautiful, taut direction, great performances.. transcends from being just a crime drama and touches the heart when we recognize the obsessive traits of the characters who are in search of something to be present all around us and even within ourselves. NYT : "there is ruthless authority in this picture, the hardness and clarity of steel, and remarkably subtle suggestion.."

I found this to be a solid film in both the direction and acting.However I never really felt much interest in the characters or the plot of the film and ultimately I feel this was a little on the drab side.

#288

Huston's angular, foreshortened direction finds the characters, all memorable, in a cramped, suffocating maze, turning corner after corner only to find an endless string of dead-ends. Seminal, I'd think. The only detraction: Hayden is kind of goofy, though only when he opens his mouth.

Good crime noir movie, but nothing spectacular.

87.625.

Great characterizations - Casting is a bullseye. No phony romance. Monroe plays some great airhead jailbait contrasting with Jean Hagen's desperate need for Hayden's affections.Jaffe is superb as the mastermind and Whitmore does a good job as the go between. Film has a great look with stark B&W segways.

Great heist film, though without the great romance or unique twist that makes other classic noirs I've seen essential viewing.

One of the first classic filmnoirs that met what I think the genre is truly capable of. Yes, the pacing is off at times, but that's a minor issue when you consider the movie's scope.

The prototype for heist films, featuring an ensemble cast - this is great stuff.

One of my favorite film noir movies--classic!

# 315

Not bad, but it's certainly not the best Huston by any means. It's a tad slow, but the ensemble is pretty great.

The uber caper film!