JohnHowardReid Almost any movie with Marilyn Monroe is a must-see movie and this legendary film noir directed by John Huston is no exception. True, a little bit of astute editing would help the pace no end. Some tedious reminiscences about his early life in Kentucky by not-so Sterling Hayden could go for a start, even though this is tied in with the way overlong, drawn-out concluding scenes. They need trimming too. Script and director also let us down earlier in the movie in an exactly similar fashion when they telegraph how Sam Jaffe will be captured and then proceed to show us what they've already told us. Credibility is also strained when McIntyre's police commissioner emerges as a comic figure. This was no doubt intentional, but it's a distraction nonetheless. Fortunately, Monroe's role though not over-large, is certainly memorable. Back in 1950, M-G-M didn't consider Marilyn important enough to even mention in the Press Book or on the poster art. When the film was re-issued in 1954, however, Marilyn was suddenly promoted to above-the-title billing. In fact, the film took twice as much money on re-issue than it did on original release.

milam_ogden This is one of my favorite film noir classic films. I have it racked in Top 100 and Top 25 Film Noir movies of all time. I am writing this review at this time because I recently watched it again (January 23rd). I was prompted to do this because the film was being previewed at 2017 Noir City film festival in San Francisco.I owe a copy of the film and have watched annually for the last five years. The story was adapted from a novel by W.R. Burnett. The screenplay credits go to John Huston and Ben Maddow. Huston also directed the film. The music was created by Miklos Rozsa while the director of photography was Harold Rosson.It has an outstanding cast including Sterling Hayden, Louis Calhern, Jean Hagan, James Whitmore, Barry Kelley and John McIntire.Supporting cast include: Sam Jaffe, Marc Lawrence, Brad Dexter, Anthony Caruso and Marilyn Monroe.Sam Jaffe is the brains behind the "heist" concept and sells the plan to Louis Calhern. Jaffe's character is smart, brilliant and controlled. His one flaw(not shared) gets him caught in the end.HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!

Uriah43 Fresh out of prison a professional burglar by the name of "Erwin Riedenschneider" (Sam Jaffe) goes to see a local gambler named "Cobby" (Marc Lawrence) about setting up a heist worth over $500,000 in gold and gems from a local jewelry store. Cobby immediately sets up a meeting with a rich lawyer named "Alonzo Emmerich" (Louis Calhern) to arrange financing. What neither Dr. Riedenschneider nor Cobby realize is that Mr. Emmerich is broke and not only cannot afford to hire anybody but also cannot buy the merchandise once they bring it to him as planned. As a result Cobby hires the men necessary for the job under the assumption that Mr. Emmerich will reimburse him later and that he will also have the cash necessary to complete the transaction. Now rather than reveal any more of this movie and risk spoiling it for those who haven't seen it I will just say that this was a very good jewel caper which has a sterling cast and a fine plot as well. Not only that, but having an actress like Marilyn Monroe (as "Angela Phinlay") certainly didn't hurt the scenery in any way either. In any case, I rate this movie as above average and recommend it to those who enjoy a good crime movie from days gone by.

randysr This movie is a fast paced cat and mouse chase in which you find yourself alternately cheering for the cat and the mouse. John Huston walked an amazing tightrope balance getting sympathy for both cops and robbers. But the movie is focused on the robbers, and the unique weakness that each character has and which motivates and ultimately undoes them. Each weakness is exposed: just plain greed, seductive women, unbridled ambition, and addictions of all kinds. Sterling Hayden has a triumphant performance as the 'sociopath with a heart', and if you think that's a contradiction in terms, Mr. Hayden will have you believing the terms are synonymous. This is probably one of John Huston's most underrated film, most likely due to the lack of his usual leading man Humphrey Bogart. But the ensemble cast shines, each adding their piece to this puzzle, none overshadowing the other, with the possible exception of the imposing Hayden. A masterpiece of noir that should not be missed.