Category: CrimeFilm
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Murder, Suspense and Mystery Take Hold in Two Films by Master Storyteller Henri-Georges Clouzot
Simone Renant, “Quai des Orfèvres” A.K.A. “Jenny Lamour” (1947). By Paul Parcellin “Quai des Orfèvres” is a Gaulish police procedural that holds its own with any American made crime drama of that era. The title refers to the location of the central police headquarters in Paris, where some of the film’s action takes place. The story…
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Lovesick Wanderer Returns … to a Double Cross
Burt Lancaster, Yvonne DeCarlo, “Criss Cross” (1949). This article contains spoilers. By Paul Parcellin The magnetic attraction between Steve Thompson (Burt Lancaster) and Anna (Yvonne DeCarlo) is the stuff that drives “Criss Cross” toward its dramatic and deadly conclusion. Steve returns to town after two year’s absence and the first thing on his mind is…
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The Big Caper: Burning Desire For a Life of Luxury Drives Career Criminal to Score a Cool Million Bucks
Roxanne Arlen, Paul Picerni, Corey Allen, “The Big Caper” (1957). Heist films must always be centered around a carefully thought-out plan — and no matter how artfully arranged, the scheme will sooner or later go horribly wrong. Lots of stuff can cause a heist to crash and burn: a flaw in the plan; unforeseen circumstances;…
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A Cache of Hot Money Fires Up ‘Private Hell 36’
Det. Jack Farnham (Howard Duff) and wife Francey (Dorothy Malone)in ‘Private Hell 36’ (1955). We’re in a New York City office building. A pair of elevator doors open and a dead man is sprawled on the floor inside. Another, wearing an elevator operator’s uniform, exits and disappears into the night with a satchel of loot…