Night and the City (1950)

[Scott]

NIGHT AND THE CITY (1950) - Good British film-noir starring Richard Widmark, Gene Tierney, Mike Mazurki, and the great pro wrestler Stanislaus Zbyszko as Gregorius the Great. Stanislaus Zbyszko is about 70 years old in this film and has a good match scene in the gym against Mike Mazurki's character. The film is well directed with story and lighting expected from this genre, but this is better than average film about a hustler played by Richard Widmark who almost becomes the top promoter of wrestling in London. Neat portrayal of the dark side of the wrestling business. The movie talks about the drawing power of theatrical wrestling vs greco-roman style wrestling. Stanislaus Zbyszko was one of the great real wrestlers along with other greats like Ed "The Strangler" Lewis. AMC showed it today.



Richard Widmark in NIGHT AND THE CITY.



Post Edited (12-01-04 10:38)

[BoyScoutKevin]

Oh, I aqree, in so many ways. One of the few examples of British film noire, British actor Francis L. Sullivan is the equivalent of the American 'Fat Man Villain." And the wrestling scene between Zbyszko and Mazurki is the greatest wrestling scene , I have ever seen in a film. Maybe because, not only was Zybszko a professional wrestler, but so was Mazurki at one time. A film not to be missed, if one likes film noire.

[lester1/2jr]

I love Richard Widmark in films like this because he's so bipolar, either bugging out or absolutely elated. usually the former

[Scott]

I've only seen Widmark in Westerns and he's not as good as he is in NIGHT AND THE CITY.

[Deej]

Scott wrote:

> I've only seen Widmark in Westerns and he's not as good as he
> is in NIGHT AND THE CITY.
>


Check him out in KISS OF DEATH(1947), ROADHOUSE(1948), or PICKUP ON SOUTH STREET(1953). His performances ,in these other fine noir films, range from totally psychotic to only mildly sociopathic. He's also good in the 60's cop-flick MADIGAN, opposite Henry Fonda.

And just to throw in a military flick, check out TAKE THE HIGH GROUND(1953), co-starring Karl Malden. Widmark plays an weary drill seargent, who is not at all psycho....just mildly maladjusted.

I agree with you on his western roles, although he was good in THE LAW AND JAKE WADE(1958). I think you'll like these more modern performances better.

[Scott]

NIGHT AND THE CITY has brought Widmark to my attention. I think this must be his type genre. I'll will definately check out KISS OF DEATH, ROADHOUSE, or PICKUP ON SOUTH STREET, and TAKE THE HIGH GROUND if I get the opportunity. Widmark and Malden would make for an interesting film. Always like Malden films.

[Deej]

Scott wrote:

> NIGHT AND THE CITY has brought Widmark to my attention. I think
> this must be his type genre. I'll will definately check out
> KISS OF DEATH, ROADHOUSE, or PICKUP ON SOUTH STREET, and TAKE
> THE HIGH GROUND if I get the opportunity. Widmark and Malden
> would make for an interesting film. Always like Malden films.
>


I think you'd enjoy them. For an interesting double-feature, compare Widmark's portrayal of an army drill seargent in TAKE THE HIGH GROUND, with Jack Webb's Marine drill instructor in THE D.I.. Neither of them have the spirit of R. Lee, but they have their bright points. Especially, the flea burial in THE D.I. .