The Big Combo (1955)

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

Highly effective noir thriller with top performances from Cornel Wilde and Richard Conte. The latter is, of course, the big baddie but Wilde is a surprisingly ruthless cop with an agenda. Conte is almost frighteningly violent in both words and action, at the same time presenting such a charming front but Wilde is almost up there and certainly much more street wise than some cops in noir films. Jean Wallace is also very effective as the love interest for both men, although the cop is not beneath skipping out for a bit on the side while he waits. Excellent b/w photography and a good tale well told with splendid hard boiled dialogue.

After the revolutionary "Gun Crazy", "The Big Combo" is the second and last real masterpiece directed by Joseph H. Lewis. A strong revenge love story, with violent and shocking scenes shadowed ingeniously by John Alton, definitely master of film noir photography. Richard Conte is outstanding as a sadistic gangster. And try to see the interview of Joseph H. Lewis explaining the very special scene between Richard Conte and Jean Wallace. Cheers Joseph H. Lewis.

Do you like Noir? "The Big Combo" is one of the best. Can't find anything negative about this picture. The cast was great, even though it wasn't top stars, background music, pacing, and especially the Alton photography - all came together to produce one of the best.It stars Cornel Wilde, not a big name in Hollywood features, but here he gives perhaps his best performance as an obsessive detective trying to rein in a 'bad guy', played by John Conte, who is perfect in his part. Conte is evil personified as the crime boss, cocky and arrogant, and keeps Jean Wallace, a tragic actress who died too soon, as his mistress. She is gorgeous, a Grace Kelly look-alike.It's all been said by other reviewers, but if you are a fan of this genre, see it. It is one of the best - behind, of course, "Out Of The Past".

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.