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Touch of Evil (1958)
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Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writers:
Release Date:
8 June 1958 (France)
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Tagline:
The Overwhelming Drama of a Strange Vengeance more
Plot:
Stark, perverse story of murder, kidnapping, and police corruption in Mexican border town. full summary | full synopsis
Awards:
3 wins
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NewsDesk:
(20 articles)
20 Most Anticipated Period Films (Part 1)
(From The Movie Fanatic. 18 October 2009, 9:18 PM, PDT)
20 Most Anticipated Period Films (Part 1)
(From The Movie Fanatic. 18 October 2009, 9:18 PM, PDT)
(From The Movie Fanatic. 18 October 2009, 9:18 PM, PDT)
20 Most Anticipated Period Films (Part 1)
(From The Movie Fanatic. 18 October 2009, 9:18 PM, PDT)
User Comments:
Spellbinding thriller
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Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only) | Charlton Heston | ... | Ramon Miguel 'Mike' Vargas |
 | Janet Leigh | ... | Susan 'Susie' Vargas |
 | Orson Welles | ... | Police Captain Hank Quinlan |
 | Joseph Calleia | ... | Police Sergeant Pete Menzies |
| Akim Tamiroff | ... | 'Uncle' Joe Grandi |
| Joanna Moore | ... | Marcia Linnekar |
| Ray Collins | ... | District Attorney Adair |
 | Dennis Weaver | ... | Mirador Motel Night Manager |
| Valentin de Vargas | ... | Pancho - Grandi Hood |
| Mort Mills | ... | Al Schwartz - District Attorney's Assistant |
| Victor Millan | ... | Manelo Sanchez |
| Lalo Rios | ... | Risto - Grandi's Nephew |
| Michael Sargent | ... | Pretty Boy |
| Phil Harvey | ... | Blaine |
| Joi Lansing | ... | Zita |
Additional Details
MPAA:
Rated PG-13 for some violence and drug content. (1988 restoration)
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
95 min | Germany:111 min (1998 alternate version) | USA:108 min (1975 alternate vesion) | USA:112 min (director's cut) | Spain:106 min (DVD edition)
Country:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
1.37 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Mono (Westrex Recording System)
Certification:
Germany:16 (restored version) (re-rating: 2005) |
Netherlands:6 |
South Korea:15 (2003) |
Argentina:13 |
Australia:M |
Chile:14 |
Finland:K-11 (DVD rating) |
Finland:K-12 (restored version) |
Finland:K-16 (original rating) |
Germany:18 (restored version) |
Norway:15 (re-rating) (1999) |
Norway:16 (1985) |
Spain:13 (DVD rating) |
Sweden:11 (restored version) |
Sweden:15 (original rating) |
UK:12 |
USA:Approved (PCA #18506) (original rating) |
USA:PG-13 (No. 36039) (re-rating) (1998 restoration) |
USA:Unrated (restored version) |
West Germany:16 (nf)
Filming Locations:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
Janet Leigh broke her left arm before filming commenced, but appeared nonetheless. The arm was in a cast, hidden from the camera, for many scenes. In the more revealing motel scenes, the cast was removed for filming, and re-applied afterwards.
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Goofs:
Audio/visual unsynchronized: As the couple is getting into the car at the beginning of the movie, there is exhaust coming from the tailpipe well before we hear the ignition noise.
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Quotes:
Movie Connections:
Referenced in "House M.D.: Joy to the World (#5.11)" (2008)
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Soundtrack:
Tana's Theme
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FAQ
A Note Regarding SpoilersIs this movie based on a novel?
Any recommendations for movies similar to "Touch of Evil"?
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more (206 total)
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There are only two ways to write a review that would truly do this film justice. Either one would have to write an exceedingly long review, or a short, concise one. I choose to do the latter.
When I first saw "Touch of Evil," I was glued to the chair. When I found out it was not Welles' definitive vision, I wondered how on earth it could have been made better. And when I saw the re-released version, I wondered why the studio altered it. The stunning black-and-white images, the intricate plot, and the powerful, engaging performances took a hold of my imagination. At times, I imagined myself on the street with the characters, because the atmosphere was so thick I felt surrounded in it.
The actors all did an outstanding job, especially Leigh and Heston (who, although not thoroughly convincing as a Mexican, soared above his usual powerful, furious presence). This is Welles' picture, however, and whenever the camera catches his obese figure, you are fully aware of the man as a director and an actor. His powerful vision drives the film, from the single-cut opening sequence to the cat-and-mouse finale.
I suggest watching the 1998 restored version over the original theatrical release, but regardless of which version, "Touch of Evil" will have you stuck in your seat, questioning your views of morality until long after the last credit has rolled up the screen.