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 a memorable screen debut). Through flashbacks we discover the events that led to his death. Although the script was expanded from Ernest Hemingway's short story, this tense and well directed drama may not be the most original work in its genre. However, it offers sharp dialogue and a wonderfully structured story. Remade by Don Siegel in 1964.
