Product: The Big Combo [VHS] (1955)
Rating: 3.0
Harsh and gritty
I saw a documentary years ago about Hollywood censors and the problems they had with this film. With the freedoms today's filmmakers exercise, it's hard for today's generation to understand the limitations directors of the film noir years had to work through. There were laws on the books then that seem goofy today, but filmmakers and scriptwriters worked with and around those. Also, we are used to the level of special effects through computer and other technology. The cinemagraphic techniques in this film were cutting edge then. Yes, there was a time with attempted suicide was considered attempted murder in some states. Women living with and loving men outside of marriage were considered "bad" and the censors insisted they reap their just rewards. Film noir characters always walked a fine line and the audience was made to wonder throughout the story how much of a nudge would it take to for the cop to cross the line. Cornell Wilde's character starts out meaning well, but his obssession with Mr. Brown could push him over the edge. His relationship with the stripper make us wonder what morals he really has. It's clear what morals Mr. Brown has-none. But, is this absolutely true? Why does he write the name "Alicia" in the mist on a window? In film noir, there is no such absolute as right or wrong, good or evil. It's an exploration of the gray areas of life and what can push people from the light to the dark. The story line isn't perfect, sometimes the acting seems hammy and you can find better films, but this one isn't bad. By the way, it's interesting to watch Lee Van Cleef in his early acting years (also see Kansas City Confidential).