I heap praise on few films, but 'The Big Heat' is not just one of the best noirs or one of the best films from Fritz Lang's illustrious career, it's one of the best films, full stop. When I saw 'The Big Heat' for the first time, the brutality absolutely shocked me, and it still does.
Glenn Ford is on fire in this taut pot-boiler cop film as Detective Sgt. Dave Bannion, one of the few cops not on the take in a town run by the mobster Mike Lagana. He's a man of integrity in a world where no one else has any. It's pretty depressing, and hits close to the bone in today's world. Surely, his character was the prototype for 'Dirty Harry.'
Lee Marvin is at his smarmy best as Lagana's right-hand goon, Vince Stone, who sets the standard for the loose-cannon baddie. And Gloria Graham is splendid and sympathetic as Vince's ditzy, loud-mouthed girlfriend.
I think the reason 'The Big Heat' still packs a gut punch 70 years after its release is that it taps into the reality of how easily people are corrupted by money, greed and power, and that's just as relevant today as ever. This is a must-see.
Glenn Ford is on fire in this taut pot-boiler cop film as Detective Sgt. Dave Bannion, one of the few cops not on the take in a town run by the mobster Mike Lagana. He's a man of integrity in a world where no one else has any. It's pretty depressing, and hits close to the bone in today's world. Surely, his character was the prototype for 'Dirty Harry.'
Lee Marvin is at his smarmy best as Lagana's right-hand goon, Vince Stone, who sets the standard for the loose-cannon baddie. And Gloria Graham is splendid and sympathetic as Vince's ditzy, loud-mouthed girlfriend.
I think the reason 'The Big Heat' still packs a gut punch 70 years after its release is that it taps into the reality of how easily people are corrupted by money, greed and power, and that's just as relevant today as ever. This is a must-see.