The Big Heat
"Somebody's going to pay... because he forgot to kill me."
Ruthless criminals, a dedicated honest cop, sultry women and a gripping plot - all the elements of a classic police action-drama are here in full force. Police Sergeant Bannion (Glenn Ford) is investigating the apparent suicide of a corrupt cop, then is suddenly ordered to stop - and The Big Heat is on. Driven to unravel the mystery, Bannion continues probing until an explosion meant for him, kills his wife. He resigns from the force and soon learns that behind it all is the powerful underworld led by Mike Lagana (Alexander Scourby) and his cold-blooded henchman, Vince Stone (Lee Marvin). When Stone's girl Debby (Gloria Grahame) makes a play for Bannion, Stone disfigures her face. In revenge, she tells all she knows. Ultimately, Bannion and Stone square off in a life-or-death confrontation.
Member Reviews
The Big Heat - mxr200
If you a fan of the classic film noir you will enjoy this movie. It is directed by Fritz Lang, who made Metropolis, and he does not disappoint in this film. The cast is also first rate with many legendary actors. I love Glenn Ford in his role. Gloria Grahame is also excellent. It would have been nice to have more extras on the DVD with respect to the vintage era but it is an excellent movie. If you are a fan of this era you will enjoy this classic.Pure And Classic Film Noir - CharleyJames
No one did film noir like Fritz Lang. Gritty, dark and foreboding, The Big Heat remains a classic of the genre.
The Big Heat's story of good guys and bad guys, guns and molls, tough times and tough people, is standard but under Lang's direction it gets elevated to something beyond cops-and-killers. It's a look at society's dark under-belly, and what we see is us.
A "must see again" for fans of film noir, The Big Heat remains as much of a classic as The Maltese Falcon and as contemporary as this morning's news.Great Lang, great noir - Elshaneo
I watched this because it was directed by Fritz Lang, creator of some of the best films of the 20s/30s and I wasn't disappointed. To appreciate this movie you have to remember that it's pure noir with an over the top juxtaposition of the perfect life with the perfectly despicable life. It's accessible and entertaining.
Member Reviews
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The Big Heat - mxr200
If you a fan of the classic film noir you will enjoy this movie. It is directed by Fritz Lang, who made Metropolis, and he does not disappoint in this film. The cast is also first rate with many legendary actors. I love Glenn Ford in his role. Gloria Grahame ...Pure And Classic Film Noir - CharleyJames
No one did film noir like Fritz Lang. Gritty, dark and foreboding, The Big Heat remains a classic of the genre.
The Big Heat's story of good guys and bad guys, guns and molls, tough times and tough people, is standard but under Lang's direction it gets ...Great Lang, great noir - Elshaneo
I watched this because it was directed by Fritz Lang, creator of some of the best films of the 20s/30s and I wasn't disappointed. To appreciate this movie you have to remember that it's pure noir with an over the top juxtaposition of the perfect life with ...