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The Burglar (1957)

Director: Paul Wendkos

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Movie review

From Time Out Film Guide

This film noir first feature lays on the style from the start: a fake newsreel spotlights the wealthy spiritualist's diamond necklace targeted by Duryea and cohorts, before a striking break-in sequence matches shock cuts with a pulsatingly brassy score. Our attention duly grabbed, Goodis' adaptation of his own novel probes the psychological hinterland as the gang waits it out. Duryea is cagey, weighed down by responsibility for Mansfield as the daughter of the safecracker who took him in as a runaway. Meanwhile sweaty Capell is itching to fence the goods. Conflict breeds claustrophobia breeds... well, you know the rest. Wendkos doesn't break the mould, but he decorates it with no uncertain panache, as spiralling misfortune leads to a somewhat Wellesian finale in an Atlantic City boardwalk funhouse.

Author: TJ 0000-00-00 00:00:00

Time Out Film Guide

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User reviews of this film

  • Bob Wilson said...
    Posted on Sep 13 2008 23:06 This is a film noir classic and fans of the genre will enjoy it immensely. It features some big stars - Dan Duryea, Jayne Mansfield and Mickey Shaughnessy. I am a fan because my father, who was a cinematographer for producer Louis W. Kellman, actualy had a bit part in the film. He plays the TV director who gives news anchor John Facenda the cue to go on the air. The parallel cutting between the newscast and the burglars gaining access to the wealthy woman's jewels, is crucial to the plot and effectiveness of the storyline. Don't miss the chance to watch this classic.
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Cast & crew

Director: Paul Wendkos

Producer: Louis W Kellman

Cast: Dan Duryea, Jayne Mansfield, Peter Capell, Mickey Shaughnessy, Martha Vickers, Wendell Phillips, Phoebe Mackay, Stewart Bradley full cast

Genre(s): Film Noir

Duration: 90 mins


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