Sam Fuller’s bruising noir is packed with goodies, from the hardboiled dialogue throughout to the bracing subway station punch-up at its conclusion.
What has stayed with me most, though, is Thelma Ritter’s Oscar-nominated turn as an aging “stoolie” named Moe. She begins the film as an amusing and seemingly incidental character: selling information and men’s ties with the same casual bartering and prattling on about the increase in the cost of living. Yet by her final scene Moe has become a surprisingly moving figure. Check out that last monologue for a lesson in what it means to be worn down by life. Moe’s lined, weary face contrasts powerfully with the fake-lashed glamour of Jean Peters’ good-hearted moll Candy, and her quiet tragedy rings with grim authenticity.
by Victoria Large | Source: 35MM Print
19 Jun 2008 6:30 PM | Submit Comment