This film appeared a little later than the average Film Noir flick, coming out in 1959. However, being just a few years newer isn't a bad thing. In fact, as American sensibilities were changing and racial awareness was now fair game in Hollywood, they combine to produce a terrific film.
The real standout star in the film is Robert Ryan. His character is highly reminiscent of the bigoted bully from his earlier film, CROSSFIRE. But, in this case he also has a lot of prison time and a wasted life behind him because he has an enormous chip on his shoulder and is just chock full of rage. This character was very well-written, as the writers really understood the antisocial personality and combined it with a slimy coating of prejudice. This film could most likely not be made the same way today in this era of political correctness and this is a shame as bigotry is best served directly and unflinchingly.
Ryan's nemesis throughout much of the film is Harry Belafonte. Although they are both crooks working the same heist, Ryan's hatred of anything black can't help but set the men against each other--especially since Belefonte is both proud and very confrontational. This relationship really results in some amazing chemistry.
Other very notable performances come from Shelley Winters as the long-suffering girl who keeps waiting for Ryan to make good and Ed Begley as the mastermind behind the bank job.
Combining all this exceptional acting and writing with top-notch direction from Robert Wise, and you've got a real winner!! About the only Noir film that I like more that immediately comes to mind is THE KILLER (1946). Also, this film is highly reminiscent of THE KILLING--another terrific Noir classic.
The real standout star in the film is Robert Ryan. His character is highly reminiscent of the bigoted bully from his earlier film, CROSSFIRE. But, in this case he also has a lot of prison time and a wasted life behind him because he has an enormous chip on his shoulder and is just chock full of rage. This character was very well-written, as the writers really understood the antisocial personality and combined it with a slimy coating of prejudice. This film could most likely not be made the same way today in this era of political correctness and this is a shame as bigotry is best served directly and unflinchingly.
Ryan's nemesis throughout much of the film is Harry Belafonte. Although they are both crooks working the same heist, Ryan's hatred of anything black can't help but set the men against each other--especially since Belefonte is both proud and very confrontational. This relationship really results in some amazing chemistry.
Other very notable performances come from Shelley Winters as the long-suffering girl who keeps waiting for Ryan to make good and Ed Begley as the mastermind behind the bank job.
Combining all this exceptional acting and writing with top-notch direction from Robert Wise, and you've got a real winner!! About the only Noir film that I like more that immediately comes to mind is THE KILLER (1946). Also, this film is highly reminiscent of THE KILLING--another terrific Noir classic.