IMDb > The Big Knife (1955)

The Big Knife (1955) More at IMDbPro »


IMDb Holiday Movie Guide

Overview

User Rating:
7.0/10   921 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 12% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writers:
Clifford Odets (play)
James Poe (adapted for the screen by)
Contact:
View company contact information for The Big Knife on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
25 November 1955 (USA) more
Genre:
Plot:
Charles Castle is a successful Hollywood actor who has opted for screen success over art. He must make critical decisions regarding his career... more | add synopsis
Awards:
1 win & 1 nomination more
NewsDesk:
User Comments:
Adaption of Odets play a classic. more (33 total)

Cast

  (Complete credited cast)

Jack Palance ... Charles Castle
Ida Lupino ... Marion Castle
Wendell Corey ... Smiley Coy
Jean Hagen ... Connie Bliss

Rod Steiger ... Stanley Shriner Hoff

Shelley Winters ... Dixie Evans
Ilka Chase ... Patty Benedict
Everett Sloane ... Nat Danziger
Wesley Addy ... Horatio "Hank" Teagle
Paul Langton ... Buddy Bliss
Nick Dennis ... Mickey Feeney
Bill Walker ... Russell
Michael Winkelman ... Billy Castle (as Mike Winkelman)
more
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

Runtime:
111 min
Country:
Language:
Aspect Ratio:
1.37 : 1 more
Sound Mix:

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
Shot in 15 days. more
Goofs:
Crew or equipment visible: The camera and operator are visibly reflected in one scene in the living room. more
Quotes:
Stanley Hoff: [to Castle, after being slapped] I'll - break - you! more
Movie Connections:
Featured in The Best of Film Noir (1999) (V) more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
21 out of 25 people found the following comment useful.
Adaption of Odets play a classic., 4 February 2005
10/10
Author: guilfisher-1 from New York City

This 1955 film was adapted from a play by Clifford Odets and James Poe. It is a dark study of the seedier side of Hollywood of it's time. Making all involved not such pleasant people. It centers around a top movie star, Charlie Castle (played brilliantly by Jack Palance) who wants out of the movie limelight in order to move on to better high grade films. But, the movie studios are not that eager to lose their sexy star. Most of the film is about Charlie and his struggle to come out ahead. With the studio boss (one of Rod Steiger's better roles), his wife (the wonderful Ida Lupino in another terrific performance); the sleezy studio promo man (Wendell Corey in a delicious underplayed role); and the agent (one of Everett Sloane's best performances). Also rounding out this stellar cast are Jean Hagen, as the wife of Charlie's best friend, and a gal out to get Charlie in bed, and Shelly Winters, who does well as a sort of dumb blonde being used by the studio to entertain executives. Thinking this is the way to become a movie star.

Robert Aldrich directed this classic with a deft touch and excellent interplay with his cast. A simple set allows the actors to do their work without the Hollywood tinsel. Made in black and white, this is drama at its best and the stars at their best. See this amazing film if you're an actor. It will teach you much.

Was the above comment useful to you?
more (33 total)

Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for The Big Knife (1955)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
wes addy ksf-2
Hoff: Louis Mayer or Harry Cohn? louchilson
Hoff = Cohn? Redmoskito
It is coming to TCM on August 18, 2008 (Monday) at 7 P.M. EST! wtl471629
SPOILER: Implausible plot. . . miriamwebster
nice review/background info dreamon-10
more

Recommendations

If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
- - - - -
The Bad and the Beautiful A Star Is Born Valentino Sunset Blvd. A Star Is Born
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
Show more recommendations

Related Links

Full cast and crew Company credits External reviews
News articles IMDb Drama section IMDb USA section
Add this title to MyMovies

You may report errors and omissions on this page to the IMDb database managers. They will be examined and if approved will be included in a future update. Clicking the 'Update' button will take you through a step-by-step process.