IMDb > The Big Knife (1955)

The Big Knife (1955) More at IMDbPro »


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Overview

User Rating:
7.0/10   917 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?

Down 38% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.

Director:

Robert Aldrich

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:

Drama | Film-Noir more

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:

Movie Bad Guy Palance Dead at 87
 (From Studio Briefing - Film News. 13 November 2006)

User Comments:

Tough 50's Hollywood Nightmare! 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
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Additional Details

Runtime:

111 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1 more

Sound Mix:

Mono


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:

Charlie Castle: Am I the worst oaf in the world?
Marion Castle: The world's a big place. You're the worst one in my life.
more

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Marilyn Monroe: Beyond the Legend (1987) more


FAQ

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15 out of 20 people found the following comment useful.
Tough 50's Hollywood Nightmare!, 12 December 2004
8/10
Author: shepardjessica-1 from United States

One of the 10 best of '55 with sparks flying between Palance & Steiger. Subtle performance by Ms. Ida Lupino and intensity personified by J. Palance. Rod Steiger with white hair and hearing aid is pretty scary. Written by Clifford Odets, this realistic Hollywood tale cuts no corners and does not see out.

An 8 out of 10. Best performance = Rod Steiger. Too grim for some. Beautiful B/W cinematography and terrific script and the entire cast is deliberate and impassioned. I don't believe it was nominated for anything, but should have been. I'm not sure if this is on video or DVD, but check it out!

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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

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