#176: SIODMAK, Robert: The Killers (1946) / SIEGEL, Don: The Killers (1964)
SIODMAK, Robert (United States)
The Killers [1946]
SIEGEL, Don (United States)
The Killers [1964]
SIEGEL, Don (United States)
The Killers [1964]
Spine #176
DVD
DVD
Why would a man welcome his own murder? Ernest Hemingway's gripping short story "The Killers" has fascinated readers and filmmakers for generations. Its first screen incarnation came in 1946, when director Robert Siodmak unleashed The Killers, helping to define the film noir style and launching the careers of Burt Lancaster and Ava Gardner in an archetypal masterpiece. In 1956, then-film student Andrei Tarkovsky tackled the story with a faithful 19-minute short. In 1964, Don Siegel — initially slated to direct the 1946 version — took it on, creating the first-ever made-for-TV feature, but it proved too violent for broadcast in the wake of JFK's assassination. The Criterion Collection presents all three versions of this classic tale of amorality that asks why a man would silently welcome his fate with the passivity of a man already dead.
The Killers (1946)
102 minutes
Black & White
Black & White
Monaural
The Killers (1964)
94 minutes
Color
Monaural
1:33:1 aspect ratio
Criterion Release 2003
Director/Writer
(1946)
From the story by Ernest Hemingway.
Screenplay by Anthony Veiller.
Robert Siodmak was 46 when he directed The Killers.
(1964)
Screenplay by Gene L. Coon.
Don Siegel was 52 when he directed The Killers.
Other Siegel films in the Collection:
#704: Riot In Cell Block 11 (1954)
The Film
Other Siegel films in the Collection:
#704: Riot In Cell Block 11 (1954)
The Film
Film Rating (0-60):
The Booklet
(1946)
60
The ExtrasThe Booklet
(1946)
Six-page wraparound featuring an essay by Jonathan Lethem.
(1964)
Student film
Andrei Tarkovsky’s 1956 version of The Killers.
Video interview
Video interview
With writer Stuart M. Kaminsky (Siegel: director).
Screen Director’s Playhouse
Screen Director’s Playhouse
1949 radio adaptation, starring Lancaster and Shelley Winters.
Actor
Actor
Stacy Keach (Mike Hammer) reads Hemingway’s short story.
Production and publicity stills
Production and publicity stills
With actor biographies, rare behind-the-scenes stills gallery, original press book and ads.
Collection
Collection
Of trailers for Siodmak films.
Essay
By writer/director Paul Schrader “notes on film noir” (1972).
Music and effects track
(1964)
Reflections
With star Gulager.
Excerpts
From Siegel’s autobiography, A Siegel Film, pertaining to the making of the movie.
Production correspondence
Including memos from Siegel, broadcasting standards reports, and casting suggestions.
Production and publicity stills
With actor biographies, rare behind-the-scenes stills gallery, and advertisements.
Music and effects track
Extras Rating (0-40):
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