Hammerman Ikon

Hammerman Ikon Film Guide

The Killers
1946
****½
Director: Robert Siodmak
Cast: Burt Lancaster, Ava Gardner, Edmond O'Brien, Sam Levene, Albert Dekker, Virginia Christine

A terrific film noir about an insurance investigator who looks into the killing of a small time criminal known as the Swede (Burt Lancaster in his memorable screen debut). Through flashbacks we discover the events that lead to his death. This tough drama may not be the most original work in its genre, but it offers a wonderfully structured story with sharp dialogue. Expanded from Ernest Hemingway's short story. Remade by Don Siegel in 1964.