NIGHT AND THE CITY (1950)

 

Directed By Jules Dassin Written By: Joe Eisinger  Based on the Novel By: Gerald Kersh Cinematography: Max Greene Editor: Nick Deamaggio & Sidney Stone 

Cast: Richard Widmark, Gene Tierney, Google Withers, Herbert Lom, Mike Mazurki, Charles Farrell, Hugh Marlowe, Francis L. Sullivan, Stanislaus Zbysko, Ada Reeve 

A small-time grifter and nightclub tout takes advantage of some fortuitous circumstances and tries to become a big-time player as a wrestling promoter.

The film ends up more of an ensemble than expected. As the main character at the center of it all. Though the secondary characters are added in and ends up feeling like so many gears going all at once at the same time.  

So that it keeps the audience mesmerized and engaged. Watching how the narrative tightens and converges and affects one another like a chess match. They are feeding into one another as the stakes are raised and the challenges get more prominent. 

The film is full of love stories and triangles with jealousy and revenge. None were quite sturdy except for one.

This is a thriller centered around a wrestling promotion. Showcasing the business and dramatics involved even back then. As we watch it all come apart. While men are all trying to be the alpha full of bravado and machismo.

Richard Widmark’s performance is filled with manic energy and intensity. Where his character goes through so much intensity. Though always with a Whiff of anger the untrustworthy glamorous bad boy who dresses up as a gangster though is truly a two-bit hood and hustler. Very wiry and athletic he overshadows everyone else in scenes with him. As you can tell he is always thinking and scheming. He has to line up the dominos of making a deal keeping all the parts moving just like in this film.

Keeping the production a well-oiled machine. Luckily Leaving it not all that predictable. While showcasing dynamic examples of shadows and light. Showcasing this tale as a film noir. 

The film has an excitement in the filmmaking. That is assured yet takes its time. Leaving one surprised that the tale takes place in England. Seeing these descriptive old-time faces and tough guys that seem more New York City old school. Then they start talking and you realize where you are once you hear the accents. 

Director Jules Dassin was in the middle of being blacklisted and the studio's head Daryl Zanuck told him this might be the last film he ever made. This might be why this film is so strong as he seemed to put all his energy and vision into it. 

Like so many classic films It’s partially in the grain. As there is a richness in there that is rare yet all-encompassing. Making it seem timeless yet feels nutritious. As we watch it grow. 

The audience marvels at it. As it’s an example of the best that seems shared with us. A recipe that works better than expected or just right. Where the dialogue feels like lines of scripture. As these are stories to illuminate. 

The film does offer a comeuppance. Even in all these dark stories and corners. Judgment and themes said simply that feed the shadows.

Grade: B+