Review of The Killers (1946) by Kevin R — 24 Mar 2015

Reach for that and I'll kick your brains out.

Swede Anderson is a former boxer that now lives in a small town with a gorgeous love. One day some gangsters come to town and gun him down. An insurance company is prepared to payout his life insurance policy when one of the claims officers wants to dig a little deeper. Against his boss's better judgment, he lets the officer research the case. The officer discovers a fascinating back-story of the Swede that involves love, lies, and deceit.

"I'd give you every penny I can get my hands on.".

"How many pennies is that?".

Robert Siodmak, director of The Spiral Staircase, Criss Cross, The Crimson Pirate, Escape from East Berlin, The Last Roman, and Portrait of a Sinner, delivers The Killers. The storyline for this picture is very interesting and intricate. The characters are also well portrayed and delivered. The cast delivers excellent performances and includes Burt Lancaster, Ava Gardner, Edmond O'Brien, and Albert Dekker.

"Don't you know what happens to little boys who play with matches?".

I saw this featured on Turner Classic Movies (TCM) and had to DVR it. This was a very well done crime thriller with great shootouts and fascinating developments. This is an underrated gem in the classic film genre that is a must see for fans of pictures from this era.

"I hated my life. I just wasn't strong enough to get away from it.".

Grade: A.