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07-01-2019 08:28 AM
8:00 p.m. Eastern-- "The Big Heat" Glenn Ford, Gloria Grahame, Alexander Scourby, Jocelyn Brando, Lee Marvin
OK, it's the familiar, landmark Fritz Lang-directed "The Big Heat". I'm always yammering about it. Doesn't matter how often it's aired, it's an event and packs a wallop (she declared confidently!)
The passionate but tightly leashed police detective (Ford), on a quest to bring down his city's smooth but murderous crime boss (Scourby)-- I find that policeman endlessly complex and interesting. Ford's best role-- it played to something deep in his persona, I believe.
Gloria Grahame's coarse, wistful, child-like moll, Lee Marvin's almost casual brutality, Jocelyn Brando's poignant sprite-like wife to Ford, Jeannette Nolan as her opposite number, the amoral, grasping wife of another policeman-- it's a deft graffitti-scrawl of quirky humanity. The clean, pared-down, almost Spartan sets and cinematography, the terse dialogue with multiple meanings-- all perfectly further director Lang's singular vision of this corrupted urban universe.
Watch for slinky, almost unrecognizably blonde Carolyn Jones in a small part as a bar patron Lee Marvin menaces...
Lee Marvin must have had such an impact when he first hit films, with that maverick quality and that vocal growl:
Jeannette Nolan is one cool cookie in this:
There are always so many levels, nuances and characters to notice with each viewing of this master work. Love director Fritz Lang!
07-01-2019 08:50 AM
07-01-2019 08:53 AM
Great film. I’ll be watching it tonight. Thanks for the info. I’ve introduced my husband to film noir and he is really enjoying these movies.
07-01-2019 09:06 AM
Wow, what a review!
A long, long time ago, I took a fun course on old movies at a local community college. He would have us salivating for each particular movie. You sound just like our teacher!
Always love reading your thoughts on those great, old movies.
07-01-2019 09:06 AM
"Gloria Grahame's coarse, wistful, child-like moll, Lee Marvin's almost casual brutality, Jocelyn Brando's poignant sprite-like wife to Ford, Jeannette Nolan as her opposite number, the amoral, grasping wife of another policeman-- it's a deft graffitti-scrawl of quirky humanity. The clean, pared-down, almost Spartan sets and cinematography, the terse dialogue with multiple meanings-- all perfectly further director Lang's singular vision of this corrupted urban universe."
@Oznell Wow!
As @Chicagosuburbangirl said: "You are my North Star of TCM goodies!"
07-01-2019 09:56 AM
I don't believe I've ever seen this movie, so I'll be sure to set my recorder! I adore the ever handsome Glenn Ford.
07-01-2019 11:00 AM
Glenn Ford is TCM's Star of the Month. So they are starting off with a goodie.
Thanks for your review, Oznell.
07-01-2019 11:46 AM
Thanks, @Chicagosurburbangirl, @roeroe1005, and @alliswell-- kind words.
And film noir gang, this will be a party! I think your husband will enjoy, @Vivian-- this one always strikes me as equally appealing to men and women...
07-01-2019 12:13 PM - edited 07-01-2019 12:18 PM
I have two - 'Ship of Fools' with the young very handsome Oscar Werner.
The other is my very fav love story 'Jane Eyre'. Brings tears every time.
07-01-2019 12:42 PM
Great analysis as always. One of my favs also. An
iconic movie. Thanks so much for your posts. They are
greatly appreciated.
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