Big Knife, The

USA 1955, 104 minutes
Dir. Robert Aldrich
English
Rating: [PG]
Genres: Classics, Drama

Feat. Jack Palance, Ida Lupino, Rod Steiger, Shelley Winters, Jean Hagen

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.

Member Reviews

Average rating (Good Enough). Showing 1-3 of 3 member reviews.

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4 stars (Very Good) ~normfilmbuff
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4 stars (Very Good) Evidently studio bosses were none too pleased with Steiger's unflattering portrayal. It was certainly a long time before they ever let Jack Palance be the good guy again. Stagey but with good dialog and performances. ~Regando
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2 stars (Good Try) Stagey & talkey unfortunately but in each scene there is acting worth watching particularly from Steiger, Ida Lupino or Corey. Shelley Winters has a great cameo. ~Tubbs