The Big Combo

4K Restoration!

Without a doubt among the most hard-edged film noir thrillers of the 50s, it continues to thrill and fascinate audiences with its uneasy mix of wanton sexuality and brutal violence. An obsessed cop will stop at nothing to bring down a vicious crime lord, even if it means sacrificing the lives of those who mean the most to him. Here, Alton delivers some of his most potent imagery, creating a pervasive atmosphere of mounting dread. Starring Cornel Wilde, Richard Conte, Jean Wallace, Brian Donlevy, Lee Van Cleef, Earl Holliman, Helen Walker. Screenplay by Philip Yordan. Photographed by John Alton. Directed by Joseph H. Lewis. In B&W. 87 mins. 1955.

Restoration:
This digital restoration of The Big Combo was undertaken by Ignite Films, working from a 35mm Fine Grain Answer Print and a 35mm Optical Sound Negative. The picture was restored in 4K by The Grainery, while the audio was sourced from an UCLA restoration funded by The Film Foundation. The color grading was carried out by Gosia Grzyb under the supervision and approval of Scott MacQueen.

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