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Force of Evil (1948)
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Overview
User Rating:
Release Date:
25 December 1948 (USA) morePlot:
An unethical lawyer, with an older brother he wants to help, becomes a partner with a client in the numbers racket. full summary | add synopsisAwards:
1 win moreUser Comments:
A movie that portrays the tragedy of "victimless" crime. moreCast
(Complete credited cast)| John Garfield | ... | Joe Morse | |
| Thomas Gomez | ... | Leo Morse | |
| Marie Windsor | ... | Edna Tucker | |
| Howland Chamberlain | ... | Freddie Bauer (as Howland Chamberlin) | |
| Roy Roberts | ... | Ben Tucker | |
| Paul Fix | ... | Bill Ficco | |
| Stanley Prager | ... | Wally | |
| Barry Kelley | ... | Det. Egan | |
| Paul McVey | ... | Hobe Wheelock | |
| Beatrice Pearson | ... | Doris Lowry |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Add content advisory for parentsRuntime:
78 minCountry:
USALanguage:
EnglishColor:
Black and WhiteAspect Ratio:
1.37 : 1 moreSound Mix:
Mono (Western Electric Recording)Filming Locations:
New York City, New York, USAFun Stuff
Trivia:
In order to show cinematographer George Barnes how he wanted the film to look, Abraham Polonsky gave him a book of Edward Hopper's Third Avenue paintings. moreGoofs:
Continuity: During a climactic montage set at an East Coast racetrack on the Fourth of July, people in the stock footage crowd scenes are dressed in winter garments nobody would wear in the middle of summer. moreQuotes:
Joe Morse: If you need a broken man to love, break your husband. I'm not a nickel, I don't spend my life in a telephone! If that's what you want for love, you can't use me.Edna Tucker: You're not strong or weak enough.
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This movie is about the "numbers" racket that existed at the time the movie was made. Younger viewers, familiar with state lotteries may not appreciate the pervasive influence that was required to operate a nickel and dime play of individuals, that translated into millions that went to corrupt local politicians, judges, and police. One reviewer said the crime was petty which is true; but that makes the cost to the characters involved so tragic and cinematcally vivid. John Garfield acting is at its best as he portrays a person trying to balance ambition, romance and family loyalty. The minor characters are all nice people who found themselves caught in a dirty business that seemed harmless to everyone who played the numbers. This movie shows the real cost in personal terms. The writing, acting and direction of this movie excels any crime movie of this generation.