Big Knife, The

Aroview: Lurid expose of the Hollywood 'studio system' from the melodramatic pen of playwright Clifford Odets.

Palance shows a rare vulnerability as a 'star' whose oppressive contract is enforced through coercion and blackmail by ruthless studio boss Steiger. Reaching a crisis with his life, marriage and career, leads to a showdown between various interests vying for his loyalties. Though perhaps overlong, this is as packed with baroque dialogue and craziness as a Tennesee Williams play or Odet's other masterpiece, SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS.

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