Product: The Big Combo [VHS] (1955)
Rating: 5.0
"Go Ahead, Shoot Me, Copper!"
Lean, taut, and violent, "The Big Combo" is a great example of 1950's film noir and belongs in the same rank as "This Gun For Hire," "The Killers," and "Criss Cross." While it's low budget shows through (which is common for almost any film noir), the dynamic black and white photography will blow you away with its iconic contrasts.The first name-less Mr. Brown, as embodied by a barely restrained Richard Conte, is a truly despicable villian. The famous torture scene of Cornell Wilde's police detective seems tame by today's standards, but must have been shocking in 1955 upon the film's release. Still, the violence packs a sap-gloved punch, and the dialogue is so hard boiled it cracks.Look for early screen appearances by tough guy Lee Van Cleef and Earl Holliman as best buddy(?)assassins who are seemingly inseparable. The hospital scene featuring Mr. Brown speaking to Cornel Wilde through Brian Donleavy is a scream. And all that smoke and those shadows...hard not to like this gem.