Terrific gangster movie.
The Big Combo (1955)
Tomatometer
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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
Reviews for The Big Combo
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.
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.
Conte is convincing as the maniacal hood, while Wilde is a good counter-balance to Conte.
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.
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