Review of Touch of Evil (1958) by Danny R — 02 Feb 2012

Orson Wells's magnificent film noir portrait of corruption and morally-compromised people in a seedy Mexican border town. This classic masterpiece would be worth seeing just for Orson Wells's spellbinding performance as the tremendously obese Hank Quinlan, a murderous, corrupt, bigoted police captain who frames a Mexican youth as part of an intricate criminal plot.

Charlton Heston superbly plays Ramon Vargas, an honorable Mexican-born narcotics investigator who agrees to investigate a car bombing murder of a rich American and his young girlfriend at the border crossing, and in doing so incurs the wrath of the monstrous Quinlan, Vargas discovers that the young Mexican has been set-up and is out to prove the kid's innocence and Quinlan's guilt; but Quinlan is way ahead of Vargas and is already framing Vargas as a drug addict along with his beautiful wife Susan, played wonderfully by Janet Leigh to discredit him with his superiors, all this cat and mouse play will lead to an unforgettable and deadly finale between the straight, incorruptible Vargas and the the tainted, wicked Quinlan.

Flawless direction by Orson Wells who creates a brilliant cinematic work of expressionistic genius. Remarkable supporting performances by Akim Tamiroff, Joseph Calleia, Joseph Calleia, Joanna Cook Moore and Dennis Weaver.

Special Kudos to the sultry Marlene Dietrich for her compelling turn as Tanya, a gypsy madam who delivers the film's memorable closing words. But it is Orson Well's Phenomenal portrayal of Quinlan, a bloated behemoth of a man, bigger than life, decadent, cigar clenched between his teeth, unshaven face, with small glassily eyes revealing a "touch of evil" who completely steals this motion picture.

Extraordinary shadow-laden cinematography by Russell Metty and a superlative original score by Henry Mancini. One of the all time great films. Highly Recommended.