#274: DASSIN, Jules: Night And The City (1950)

DASSIN, Jules (United States)
Night And The City [1950]
Spine #274
DVD


Two-bit hustler Harry Fabian (Richard Widmark) aches for a life of ease and plenty. Trailed by an inglorious history of go-nowhere schemes, he stumbles upon a chance of a lifetime in the form of legendary wrestler Gregorious the Great (Stanislaus Zbyszko). But there is no easy money in this underworld of shifting alliances, bottomless graft, and pummeled flesh — and Fabian soon learns the horrible price of his ambition. Luminously shot in the streets of London, Jules Dassin's Night and the City is film noir of the first order and one of the director's crowning achievements.

95 minutes
Black & White
Monaural
1:33:1 aspect ratio
Criterion Release 2005
Director/Writers


Based on the novel by Gerald Kersh.
Screenplay by Jo Eisenger.
Jules Dassin was 39 when he directed Night and the City.


The Film

Film Rating (0-60):

60

The Extras

The Booklet

Eight-page wraparound featuring an essay by Paul Arthur.

Commentary

By film scholar Glenn Erickson.

Video interview

With director Dassin.

Excerpts

From a 1972 French interview with Dassin.

Comparison

Of the two scores recorded for the British and American releases of the film.

Original theatrical trailer

Extras Rating (0-40):

39

60 + 39 =

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