The Asphalt Jungle (1950) 7.9
A major heist goes off as planned, until bad luck and double crosses cause everything to unravel. Director:John Huston |
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The Asphalt Jungle (1950) 7.9
A major heist goes off as planned, until bad luck and double crosses cause everything to unravel. Director:John Huston |
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| 0Share... |
| Complete credited cast: | |||
| Sterling Hayden | ... | ||
| Louis Calhern | ... | ||
| Jean Hagen | ... |
Doll Conovan
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| James Whitmore | ... | ||
| Sam Jaffe | ... | ||
| John McIntire | ... |
Police Commissioner Hardy
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| Marc Lawrence | ... |
Cobby
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Barry Kelley | ... |
Lt. Ditrich
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| Anthony Caruso | ... |
Louis Ciavelli
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Teresa Celli | ... |
Maria Ciavelli
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| Marilyn Monroe | ... |
Angela Phinlay
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William 'Wee Willie' Davis | ... |
Timmons
(as William Davis)
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Dorothy Tree | ... |
May Emmerich
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| Brad Dexter | ... |
Bob Brannom
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John Maxwell | ... |
Dr. Swanson
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'Doc' Riedenschneider, legendary crime 'brain' just out of prison, has a brilliant plan for a million-dollar burglary. To pull it off, he recruits safecracker Louis, driver Gus, financial backer Emmerich, and strong-arm man Dix Handley. At first the plan goes like clockwork, but little accidents accumulate and each partner proves to have his own fatal weakness. In the background is a pervasive, grimy urban malaise. Written by Rod Crawford <puffinus@u.washington.edu>
I'm a sucker for a good heist film, and three of the best I've ever seen were made around 1955/56 - 'Rififi', 'Bob le flambeur' and 'The Killing'. Now they are still three of the greatest crime thrillers ever made, but now that I've finally seen 'The Asphalt Jungle' it's obvious what source those movies were drawing on! Not that I'm saying they're rip offs, they're not, but they are kind of three (excellent) variations on Huston's theme. 'The Asphalt Jungle' must therefore be seen as the most influential crime movie of the modern era, and the blueprint for every subsequent caper movie ('The Anderson Tapes', 'Thief', 'Reservoir Dogs', 'The Usual Suspects', 'The Score',etc.etc.) This superb film noir is almost impossible to fault. The script is first rate, John Huston's direction is inspired, Sterling Hayden - possibly America's most underrated actor - is fantastic as troubled ex-con Dix Handley, and the ensemble cast are all excellent, especially James Whitmore ('Them!'), Louis Calhern ('Notorious'), Sam Jaffe ('The Day The Earth Stood Still') and John McIntire ('Psycho'). The early role for Marilyn Monroe made a strong impact on a lot of people, but I was even more impressed by Jean Hagen as Doll. She is unforgettable and her scenes with Hayden are wonderful. Why did she never become a major star? This is a crime classic and brilliant entertainment. Highly recommended!