Raw Deal

A tightly-wound film noir crime thriller featuring some of John Alton’s most thrilling images. Newly escaped convict Joe Sullivan desperately wants to reconnect with the sadistic crime boss he took the prison rap for—as well as the bundle of cash he has waiting for him. The plan becomes complicated when two women, each with their own design on Joe, enter the picture. Alton manages to give the film a wonderfully florid look, with actions and emotions racing wildly out of control. Love and bullets rarely mix well, as this stunning film so aptly proves. Starring Dennis O’Keefe, Claire Trevor, Marsha Hunt, Raymond Burr, John Ireland. Screenplay by Leopold Atlas and John C. Higgins. Photographed by John Alton. Directed by Anthony Mann. In B&W. 79 mins. 1948.

Part of Elliot Lavine’s series:
Film Noir’s Visionary Genius: John Alton

Part of our Arthouse 50: Celebrating our 50th anniversary as an Arthouse