The Big Knife (1955)

64% of users liked it
(292 ratings)

Robert Aldrich's screen adaptation of Clifford Odets' stage play reflects the quandary of the writer's later career; the golden boy of the Group Theater in the '30s, when his plays were the toast of Broadway, his talent seemed to wither after a number of years in the screenwriting trenches, and a… More Robert Aldrich's screen adaptation of Clifford Odets' stage play reflects the quandary of the writer's later career; the golden boy of the Group Theater in the '30s, when his plays were the toast of Broadway, his talent seemed to wither after a number of years in the screenwriting trenches, and a revulsion for what he saw as hackwork combined with his capitulation to HUAC to blight his final decade. Jack Palance stars as Charlie Castle, a major film star who has refused to sign a long-term contract for big money with a studio run by the tyrannical Stanley Hoff (Rod Steiger). This has led to the return of his wife, Marion (Ida Lupino), who had left him due to his womanizing and a willingness to kowtow to Hoff in doing bad movies only for the money. After his agent, Nat Danziger (Everett Sloane), tries unsuccessfully to get him to reconsider, Hoff himself badgers Charlie, insisting on the absolute necessity of his signing. When the star continues to resist, Hoff threatens to blackmail him with an ugly incident from his past. ~ Michael Costello, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 53 min.
Directed By: Robert Aldrich
Written By: James Poe
Genres: Drama, Classics

In Theaters: Nov 25, 1955 Wide
On DVD: Oct 15, 2002
Studio: MGM Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
A stinging film on Hollywood's studio system.
David Nusair, Apollo Guide
...an antiquated misfire.

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Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

A pretty good Hollywood story movie, but I saw it on TV and didn't get to watch the whole thing, so I can't say much about it. I would like to see the end.
cody f

Good film about Hollywood with great performances and script. This would get another star if they cut about 15 minutes toward the end. Everyone is good in it but Palance gives the best performance of his career,and Steiger is fucking amazing as a L.B. Mayer type studio head. Good… More
Good film about Hollywood with great performances and script. This would get another star if they cut about 15 minutes toward the end. Everyone is good in it but Palance gives the best performance of his career,and Steiger is fucking amazing as a L.B. Mayer type studio head. Good film.Watch it!