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Movies / On DVD / The Big Combo
The Big Combo

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The Big Combo (1955)

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Reviews Counted:12

Fresh:11

Rotten:1

Average Rating:7/10

Runtime: 89 mins

Genre: Dramas

Synopsis: Shocking cruelty and explosive performances by Wilde and Conte make this a favorite of film-noir cultists. The plot revolves around Wilde's determination to smash the rackets with the help of the... Shocking cruelty and explosive performances by Wilde and Conte make this a favorite of film-noir cultists. The plot revolves around Wilde's determination to smash the rackets with the help of the gang boss' ex-girlfriend. As in this outing, director Lewis's deft use of low budgets made him a critical favorite. [More]

Starring: Cornel Wilde, Richard Conte, Jean Wallace, Brian Donlevy

Starring: Cornel Wilde, Richard Conte, Jean Wallace, Brian Donlevy, Robert Middleton, Lee Van Cleef, Earl Holliman, Helen Walker, Jay Adler, John Hoyt

Director: Joseph H. Lewis

Director: Joseph H. Lewis
Screenwriter: Philip Yordan
Producer: Sidney Harmon
Composer: David Raskin

[See More Credits]

Reviews for The Big Combo

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1 - 12 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
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Terrific gangster movie.

Full Review Source: Time Out | comment Comment
02/09/06
Tom Milne
Tom Milne
Time Out
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

A pond of shifting alliances and kinks

Full Review Source: CinePassion | comment Comment
10/17/09
Fernando F. Croce
Fernando F. Croce
CinePassion

A fatalistic symphony of light and shade.

Full Review Source: TV Guide's Movie Guide | comment Comment
01/25/08
TV Guide's Movie Guide

It is done with grim melodramatics that are hard-hitting despite a rambling, not-too-credible plot, and is cut out to order for the meller fan who likes his action rough and raw.

Full Review Source: Variety | comment Comment
01/25/08
Variety Staff
Variety Staff
Variety
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Where the usual noir takes place in a nightmare world, this one seems to inhabit a dream: there's no longer fear in the images, but rather a distanced, idealized beauty.

Full Review Source: Chicago Reader | comment Comment
01/25/08
Dave Kehr
Dave Kehr
Chicago Reader

Brilliant mix of genuine mystery, film noir, and creative visuals.

Full Review Source: Classic Film and Television | comment Comment
08/09/07
Michael E. Grost
Michael E. Grost
Classic Film and Television

A sputtering, misguided antique.

Full Review Source: New York Times | comment Comment
08/08/06
Howard Thompson
Howard Thompson
New York Times
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Shadows and lies are the stars of The Big Combo, a spellbinding black-and-white chiaroscuro with the segmented texture of a spider's web.

Full Review Source: Slant Magazine | comment Comment
05/01/06
Ed Gonzalez
Ed Gonzalez
Slant Magazine

No review available.

comment Comment
06/19/05
Emanuel Levy
Emanuel Levy
EmanuelLevy.Com

Strong noir with sadistic flashes

comment Comment
06/13/05
Daniel Eagan
Daniel Eagan
Film Journal International

No review available.

comment Comment
10/17/03
Carol Cling
Carol Cling
Las Vegas Review-Journal

Conte is convincing as the maniacal hood, while Wilde is a good counter-balance to Conte.

Full Review Source: Ozus' World Movie Reviews | comment Comment
08/15/01
Dennis Schwartz
Dennis Schwartz
Ozus' World Movie Reviews
 
 
1 - 12 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
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