The Killers

Two hit men drive into a small New Jersey town and gun down a gas station attendant for no apparent reason. An insurance investigator tries to get to the bottom of the story with tragic results. Robert Siodmak directed this 1946 classic based on a story by Ernest Hemingway. Burt Lancaster stars in his film debut along with Ava Gardner and Edmund O’Brien. Charles McGraw and William Conrad play the menacing killers. 103 minutes.

The Killers has been called the Citizen Kane of film noir not only because of its style and film techniques, but also because of its influence on subsequent films. Eddie Muller of Turner Classic Movies Noir Alley regards Robert Siodmak as the best of all noir directors, and cinematographer Woody Bredell as one of the great cameramen, especially in his use of light and shadow. Miklos Rozsa's musical score is also outstanding. 

In his film debut Burt Lancaster became an immediate sensation and vaulted into stardom with his portrayal of the doomed boxer. After appearing in a number of mediocre films, the beautiful Ava Gardner also rose to stardom with her portrayal of the femme fatale. The rest of the cast was superb. Edmund O'Brien turned in a fine performance as an insurance investigator, as did Sam Levene as a police detective.

The beginning of this film is a film icon in itself. Charles McGraw and William Conrad are unforgettable as the killers, and their performances set the bar for all the hitmen to come. Here is a link to Eddie Muller's intro to The Killers. ###

Ava Gardner and Burt Lancaster