Review of Night and the City (1950) by Joel K — 21 Nov 2009

Director Jules Dassin was handed this assignment by Fox studio chief Darryl Zanuck, told to write the script ( whitout having read the novel ), Zanuck also insisted on him using actress Gene Tierney. He was concerned that personal problems had rendered the actress "suicidal," and hoped that work would improve her state of mind. Also Zanuck advised Dassin to "shoot the expensive scenes first, to hook the studio" so the film was finished and released in 1951. This job also came at a time when Dassin was being looked into by the House Un-American Activities Committee.

With all the drama behind the scenes you might think the film would be a disaster, however it stands out as one of the finest examples of film noir ever produced. With an incredible performance by Richard Widmark as ex patriot Harry Fabian an ambitious hustler whose plans keep going wrong and damaging everyone around him.