Night and the City (1950)Directed by Jules Dassin, not rated, 101 minutes
Night and the City is a frantic and gloomy film noir about a clever, but hapless hustler who, through manipulation, sets up a scheme to finally get rich, but nothing is certain in the London underworld. Richard Widmark is captivating as the desperate hustler, and despite being hopelessly pathetic, he's so convinced that he'll succeed, you almost believe it. London provides a wretched background for the story, and director Jules Dassin creates a desolate, frenzied atmosphere. 
Night and the City grabs you from the opening frame and doesn't let up as you watch the downward spiral of a pitiful man. You'll like it if: You like film noir, classic crime films, Jules Dassin's films, Pickup on South Street, The Set-Up or The Third Man.
Night and the City grabs you from the opening frame and doesn't let up as you watch the downward spiral of a pitiful man. You'll like it if: You like film noir, classic crime films, Jules Dassin's films, Pickup on South Street, The Set-Up or The Third Man.
.........Below Average
Great review of a wonderful movie.
ReplyDeleteNight & the City happens to be one of my favourite film noirs, and in my opinion, the greatest Brit Noit, slightly edging out The Third Man. A bleak, nihilistic & nightmarish ride through hell, the London underground here is but the darkest & seediest place one can hope to go. And what a performance by Richard Widmark.