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The Killers (1946)

TV_14 103 min  -  Crime | Drama | Film-Noir  -   12 December 1946 (Australia)
7.9
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Ratings: 7.9/10 from 7,906 users  
Reviews: 81 user | 43 critic

Hit men kill an unresisting victim, and investigator Reardon uncovers his past involvement with beautiful, deadly Kitty Collins.

Director:

Robert Siodmak

Writers:

Anthony Veiller (screenplay), Ernest Hemingway (story), and 2 more credits »

Stars:

Burt Lancaster, Ava Gardner and Edmond O'Brien
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Ava Gardner Film Set Killers, The (1946) 0038669 Burt Lancaster publicity shot from
13 photos | 1 video | 29 news articles | full cast and crew »

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Nominated for 4 Oscars. Another 3 wins See more awards »
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Cast

Complete credited cast:
Burt Lancaster ...
Ava Gardner ...
Edmond O'Brien ...
Jim Riordan
Albert Dekker Albert Dekker ...
Sam Levene Sam Levene ...
Police Lt. Sam Lubinsky
Vince Barnett Vince Barnett ...
Virginia Christine Virginia Christine ...
Lilly Harmon Lubinsky
Jack Lambert Jack Lambert ...
Charles D. Brown Charles D. Brown ...
Packy Robinson - Ole's Manager
Donald MacBride Donald MacBride ...
Charles McGraw Charles McGraw ...
Al
William Conrad ...
Max
Full cast and crew »
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Storyline

Two professional killers invade a small town and kill a gas station attendant, "the Swede," who's expecting them. Insurance investigator Reardon pursues the case against the orders of his boss, who considers it trivial. Weaving together threads of the Swede's life, Reardon uncovers a complex tale of treachery and crime, all linked with gorgeous, mysterious Kitty Collins. Written by Rod Crawford <puffinus@u.washington.edu>  

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

Murder | Small Town | Insurance | Robbery | Gas Station  | See more »

Taglines:

THE MOST SUSPENSEFUL PICTURE OF ALL TIME! (re-release print ad - all caps) See more »

Genres:

Crime | Drama | Film-Noir | Mystery | Romance

Parents Guide:

Add content advisory for parents »
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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

(Australia) See more »

Also Known As:

A Man Alone See more »

Filming Locations:

Universal Studios - 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Mark Hellinger Productions, Universal Pictures See more »
Show detailed company contact information on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

"The Hedda Hopper Show - This Is Hollywood" broadcast a 30 minute radio adaptation of the movie on April 19, 1947 with Edmond O'Brien and Burt Lancaster reprising their film roles. See more »

Goofs

Errors made by characters (possibly deliberate errors by the filmmakers): In the jail house scene, Charleston (Vince Barnett) tells The Swede (Burt Lancaster) of his love for the stars. As he looks out the window, he says that he says he sees Orion and a prominent star, Betelgeuse. He says that Orion is the "Great Bear" and that Betelgeuse is the "brightest star in the sky." Orion is actually The Hunter. Ursa Major (containing the Big Dipper) is the Great Bear. Betelgeuse, while quite bright, is actually the 9th brightest star. See more »

Quotes

Jim Reardon: She took a powder. The dough went with her.
See more »

Connections

Referenced in John Huston: The Man, the Movies, the Maverick (1989) See more »

Soundtracks

"With Plenty of Money and You"
(1936) (uncredited)
Music by Harry Warren
Played on piano in Lou Tingle's cafe See more »