The Big Combo

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.

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