Thieves' Highway
Thieves' Highway is set in the world of "long haul boys" who drive by night to bring their goods to the markets of American cities. Ex G.I. Nick Garcos (Richard Conte) is a tyro trucker bent on satisfaction from the man responsible for crippling his father-ruthless market operator Mike Figlia (Lee J. Cobb). Along the way, he is seduced by siren Rica (Valentina Cortesa) and drawn into the San Francisco produce racket-landing him in a web of treachery and heartbreak. The Criterion Collection is proud to present this searing melodrama from master Jules Dassin.
Member Reviews
Jules Dassin's Competent Movie About Trucking - bwod
Richard Conte, who was a not-so-big star in Hollywood some 50 years ago, stars as an ambitious man who wants to make some grub-stake money to marry his sweet-heart and avenge the mutilation of his father by a mercenary fruit wholesaler.
This is a decent '40's flick done in the film noir style. Lee J.Cobb does a nice turn as the main villain, Mike Figlia. If you like old movies, I would recommend it. It's not great, but I give it one firm thumb up.Thieve's Highway - hoolie
While Thieves' Highway is not one of Jules Dassin's best films (unlike say, Rififi), it is still a very good film noir. The story is about truckers who transport fruits and vegetables to markets across the USA, and the corruption that runs rampant throughout the industry. Richard Conte stars as a guy just out of the Army and looking to start his own business, but when he finds that a vendor has crippled his father, he decides to go see him - and so he is talked into travelling with a load of Golden Delicious apples. The man in question is Lee J. Cobb, and those familar with his work (in great films like 12 Angry Men and On the Waterfront) won't be disappointed here. Valentina Cortese is also excellent as a prostitute who starts out trying to scam Conte, and ends up falling in love. Dassin does an amazing job of creating the time and place we're dealing with here, and the movie is almost great. What prevents it from true greatness is the ending, which is too neat, too tidy and too happy, considering all that has gone before it. This is because this a film that Dassin made right before he was blacklisted, and after he was sent away, the ending was reshot. Other than that minor quibble, this is a wonderful little film.Sharp as marbles - TaBobo
I've read some great reviews and watched some well known filmmakers talk about how wonderful this movie is. I'm just not getting it. Our two truckers: one unkind and unrepentive, the other sharp as marbles. Didn't find much redeemable about this movie. Our headstrong 'hero' acts without a second thought. The only characters worth caring about is a smaller bit player with real heart and a fabulous french dame. Take it or leave it, I think there are plenty of better noirs out there. For the ending and the special features: this disc gets three ***
Member Reviews
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Jules Dassin's Competent Movie About Trucking - bwod
Richard Conte, who was a not-so-big star in Hollywood some 50 years ago, stars as an ambitious man who wants to make some grub-stake money to marry his sweet-heart and avenge the mutilation of his father by a mercenary fruit wholesaler.
This is a decent ...Thieve's Highway - hoolie
While Thieves' Highway is not one of Jules Dassin's best films (unlike say, Rififi), it is still a very good film noir. The story is about truckers who transport fruits and vegetables to markets across the USA, and the corruption that runs rampant throughout ...Sharp as marbles - TaBobo
I've read some great reviews and watched some well known filmmakers talk about how wonderful this movie is. I'm just not getting it. Our two truckers: one unkind and unrepentive, the other sharp as marbles. Didn't find much redeemable about this movie. ...