Ralph Meeker is a perfect Mike Hammer, the toughest and most callous of all classic private detectives. This fast, moody, and very stylish film was years ahead of its time and influenced everyone from the French New Wave to Quentin Tarantino. The cinematography is dazzling. The script is crisp and heartless, complete with murder and mahem. How did this film ever get made in 1955?
1955 – 1 hr 46 min – USA – b/w – 35mm – United Artists – d: Robert Aldrich – w/ Ralph Meeker
