The Big Combo

1955 "The Most Startling Story The Screen Has Ever Dared Reveal!"
7.3| 1h28m| NR| en| More Info
Released: 13 February 1955 Released
Producted By: Security Pictures
Country: United States of America
Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
Official Website:
Info

Police Lt. Leonard Diamond vies to bring a clever, well connected, and sadistic gangster to justice all the while obsessing over the gangster's girlfriend.

Genre

Drama, Crime

Watch Online

The Big Combo (1955) is now streaming with subscription on Prime Video

Director

Joseph H. Lewis

Production Companies

Security Pictures

AD
AD

Watch Free for 30 Days

Stream on any device, 30-day free trial
Watch Now
The Big Combo Videos and Images
View All
  • Top Credited Cast
  • |
  • Crew

The Big Combo Audience Reviews

SunnyHello Nice effects though.
Rijndri Load of rubbish!!
Hayden Kane There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes
Staci Frederick Blistering performances.
arthur_tafero It doesn't get much darker than this for noir. Director Joseph Lewis' film get the first-class treatment for production values and delivers the goods. Everyone in the film delivers a first-class performance; including Cornel Wilde as the relentless cop, Lt. Diamond, Richard Conte as the despicable Mr. Brown, Brian Donlevy as Brown's chief lackey, who hates his guts, Jean Wallace as the strawberry shortcake moll, and Lee Van Cleef (spaghetti westerns), as a lower-end lackey.The movie has everything you could want for a gangster classic. It is not filmed in black and white; it is films in dark shadows and light shadows. The dialogue is a bit dated, but you will get the message. If you enjoy good film noir, then this film is for you.
dfiscaletti8 The Big Combo was nothing extraordinary, the run of the mill Film Nior/ Gangster flick with dark lighting (this film actually played with lighting which made it enjoyable and is one of its stronger points), harsh noises, and quick movement. It was no surprise to me that this film lacked depth or interest in the story as it followed a predictable format. There were a few interesting parts throughout the film, but it was the acting that kept my attention. Cornel Wilde and Jean Wallace do not break character once despite their many roles as they try to please the others and deal with the conflicting relationship they share. These two may have been impressive, but it was Richard Conte who rose above and beyond portraying his character with perfection, convincing the audience he was a true mobster. Although I got a little lost throughout the film the thrilling sexual and actions scenes kept me tuned in. The ending especially grabbed my attention with the combination of lighting, film work, and excitement. However I would not particularly recommend this film to anyone unless the film would fulfill some type of requirement or guideline they were searching for.
alwaysdubbin91 OK, this was a total gangster movie, i thought the story was fairly strong , but also quite complex, which was good at times, but it did lose me at one point. one thing i would have done was dress people a little more distinctly, i had a bit of trouble recognizing who was who. as far as filming goes i wouldn't say it was anything exceptional, except for the last scene, they really had some fun with the lighting on that one, which was pretty cool. it seemed to be quite similar to most other gangster films, just with a few more twists to keep track of. but all in all i would say it's a decent film and worth a watch, maybe not all that much more.
Claudio Carvalho The Police Lt. Leonard Diamond (Cornel Wilde) of the 93 Precinct is obsessed to find evidences against the hoodlum Mr. Brown (Richard Conte) and unsuccessfully exceeds the budget after four years of investigation with his partner, Detective Sam Hill (Jay Adler). Police Capt. Peterson (Robert Middleton) orders him to stop the investigation, telling that his obsession is personal since he has fallen in love with Brown's mistress Susan Lowell (Jean Wallace). But Susan tries to commit suicide and Diamond convinces his chief to follow one last lead, the name Alicia babbled by Susan in the hospital.The powerful Mr. Brown is mad with Diamond's investigation and sends his gangsters Joe McClure (Brian Donlevy), Fante (Lee Van Cleef) and Mingo (Earl Holliman) to try to stop Diamond. But the reluctant lieutenant insists in his pursue and the criminals decide to kill him. However they murder Diamond's lover Rita (Helene Stanton) by mistake. Now the obsession of Diamond becomes revenge and he will not stop until Mr. Brown is sent to justice. "The Big Combo" is a great film-noir by Joseph H. Lewis with a sleaze story of obsession that becomes revenge in the end. The duel between the characters performed by Cornel Wilde and Richard Conte is amazing, very well supported by Jean Wallace, Brian Donlevy, Lee Van Cleef and Earl Holliman. The top-notch cinematography in black and white uses lights, shades and fog to create the perfect environment for this bleak story. The "friendship" of Fante and Mingo is very suspicious, indicating that the two gangsters are more than best friends. My vote is eight. Title (Brazil): "Império do Crime" (Empire of the Crime")Note: On 23 July 2018 I saw this film again.