The Big Heat - An Intense Film Noir

One of the most intense, violent Film Noir classics, The Big Heat (1953) stars Glenn Ford as a cop trying to take down the corrupt syndicate that runs his city. When he gets in their way, the creeps, led by Alexander Scourby, kill his wife, the lovely Jocelyn Brando (yeah, Marlon's sister).

He then goes on a one man mission, vowing to destroy the criminals. Gloria Grahame is a scene stealer as a gangster's girl who helps Ford. Lee Marvin is particularly slimy in this film, as Gloria's thuggish, abusive boyfriend. But he gets his comeuppance, don't worry. 

Lots of familiar faces add to the enjoyment of the story, especially Jeanette Nolan as a society dame in cahoots with the killers.

I've seen this film several times and it never fails to shock me with its intense cruelty. But the plot catches you and never lets you go until the last scene.

Highly recommended for die-hard Film Noir fans.

I watched it today on a channel we just acquired on Directv - it's called Family Movie Classics, and while they do show some films that are appropriate for family viewing, THIS is not one of them. But it's nice to have another place to turn to when TCM is stuck showing Joe E. Brown comedies all day to celebrate his birthday. Not that he wasn't funny, but with him, a little humor goes a long way. LOL