The Big Knife (1955)

Directed by

Robert Aldrich

Genre

drama film, film noir

Country

United States

Runtime

1h 51m

Rated

NR

Rating

6.0 of 10 from 98 voters

Elsewhere

IMDb

How it feels

A Hollywood movie star is trapped by a studio contract and a dark secret from his past. The studio boss blackmails and bullies him to keep the secret buried.

tenseclaustrophobicmelancholiccynicalangryconfrontationalstagy

What happens

The Big Knife is a 1955 American melodrama film directed and produced by Robert Aldrich from a screenplay by James Poe based on the 1949 play by Clifford Odets. The film stars Jack Palance, Ida Lupino, Wendell Corey, Jean Hagen, Rod Steiger, Shelley Winters, Ilka Chase, and Everett Sloane. The story delves into the dark side of Hollywood, exploring themes of corruption, betrayal, and the destructive nature of fame. Jack Palance plays a conflicted movie star trapped by his own success and the manipulations of the film industry. The film is noted for its intense atmosphere and sharp critique of the pressures and moral compromises inherent in show business. It received critical acclaim for its direction, screenplay, and strong ensemble cast, cementing its place as a significant work in 1950s American cinema. (from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)

Trailer

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