Review of The Big Combo (1955) by Ryan M — 28 Jul 2009
A solid noir from Joseph Lewis, a.k.a. the talent who made 'Gun Crazy'. Makes a satisfying case-study of the problematic constitutional maxim "innocent until proven guilty." John Alton photographs, indulging often in definitively "noir" chiaroscuro when he isn't keeping a tight frame on Lewis' characters.
Conte channels his inner sadist and Wilde is appropriately driven (as opposed to driving). Wallace even develops an interesting metaphor at one point when she describes Conte as a kind of labyrinth that people get lost in.
The film's climax is also notable for how it effectively literalizes the "hunt" of the through-narrative. This is a "B" film that could've been an "A" if it was made in the 40s and had more star power.
This review of The Big Combo (1955) was written by Ryan M on 28 Jul 2009.
The Big Combo has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
