The Big Heat (1953) Reviews
- Starring:
- Glenn Ford, Gloria Grahame, (more)
- Director(s):
- Fritz Lang
- Theatrical MPAA Rating:
- NR
- Category:
- Mystery & Suspense
Member Rating
My RatingAverage Ratings
Member Reviews
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful I didn't even recognize Lee Marvin in this movie because I have never seem him at this young stage in life. I liked this movie. Since did not read any reviews prior to watching it, I didn't know what ... Read More I didn't even recognize Lee Marvin in this movie because I have never seem him at this young stage in life. I liked this movie. Since did not read any reviews prior to watching it, I didn't know what to expect. I'm a noir fan and this was right up my alley. Considering when this movie was made, some parts of it would be considered a bit daring like when Vince and Debbie kissed open mouth. The decency police didn't like anything that remotely resembled or suggested physical imtimacy. In another scene, Debbie lies on the bed in Glen Ford's hotel room as if she were planning to sleep with him. Movie goers of today compare old movies to today's standard. You can't do that. For a 1953 movie, this is a good one no matter how stiff Glen Ford is. Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful As a film noir and a Fritz Lang movie, this was OK. I wasn't that impressed. It was terribly predictable and there were only a few allusions to previous Lang films (like the use of reflections in ... Read More As a film noir and a Fritz Lang movie, this was OK. I wasn't that impressed. It was terribly predictable and there were only a few allusions to previous Lang films (like the use of reflections in windows / mirrors). I actually liked Lee Marvin in this movie! Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful Ford is a little stiff throughout, but Marvin was great. The surprise is who gets killed. I won't ruin it for you, but this type of thing isn't done in Hollywood anymore. And let's face it, anything ... Read More Ford is a little stiff throughout, but Marvin was great. The surprise is who gets killed. I won't ruin it for you, but this type of thing isn't done in Hollywood anymore. And let's face it, anything Film Noir is fun in it's own right. Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful Gloria Grahame is the girl a very skinny Lee Marvin loves to slap around in this amusing little tale of corruption. Glenn Ford is a self-righteous prig whose only saving grace is that he is right. ... Read More Gloria Grahame is the girl a very skinny Lee Marvin loves to slap around in this amusing little tale of corruption. Glenn Ford is a self-righteous prig whose only saving grace is that he is right. The scenes of domestic happiness at the beginning of the movie are a hoot. Plot is a bit tortured Grahame and Marvin are worth the trip. Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful
The BIG HEAT has alot of action. Good
acting by Lee Marvin and Gloria Grahame and
more violence than most movies of the time.
This would be rated R if they had ratings at
that time. Overall ... Read More
The BIG HEAT has alot of action. Good
acting by Lee Marvin and Gloria Grahame and
more violence than most movies of the time.
This would be rated R if they had ratings at
that time. Overall the movie was a little
depressing but kept my interest.
Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful This 1953 film noir might not be on the same level as some of the classics from the previous decade ("Double Indemnity," 1944; "The Dark Corner," 1946) but it is definitely worth seeing. Glenn Ford ... Read More This 1953 film noir might not be on the same level as some of the classics from the previous decade ("Double Indemnity," 1944; "The Dark Corner," 1946) but it is definitely worth seeing. Glenn Ford does a fine job as the honest cop amidst a sea of corruption. I had long been curious to see Gloria Grahame. Lee Marvin is a gangster and menacing as only he can be. Check it out. Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful This was a very well done period film with quality acting for the period..Glenn
Ford shines as well as Gloria Garhame in their respective roles..good script and
characterizations..a very young Lee ... Read More This was a very well done period film with quality acting for the period..Glenn
Ford shines as well as Gloria Garhame in their respective roles..good script and
characterizations..a very young Lee Marvin (almost a teenager) shines..first time
I have seen him this young..3 stars! Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful I enjoy most of the Fritz Lang movies and love film noir. So had to watch this film. I was not expecting much since many of the reviews on the net convey that is a so so movie. But as I watched, I ... Read More I enjoy most of the Fritz Lang movies and love film noir. So had to watch this film. I was not expecting much since many of the reviews on the net convey that is a so so movie. But as I watched, I continued to be surprised at the level of the acting performances in this movie. And I did not feel it was as predictable as others have claimed. I was surprised the level of violence that was portrayed for a movie of that time and was surprised that it had a plot in which a key figure with whom the viewers sympathize was eliminated. As usual, Glenn Ford's acting was a little automated in a few scenes, but he was very convincing throughout the rest of the movie. And I was stunned by Lee Marvin's performance. I have never been a Lee Marvin fan, but my opinion of his acting has changed since seeing this film. I think this movie may have been his best performance. I would definitely recommend this one. Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No |
Other Ways to Watch*
* Not all titles are available for download to rent or buy.
