The Killers (1946)

The Killers (1946) – Two hit men arrive in a small town looking to kill a quiet service station employee(Burt Lancaster).  A routine insurance investigation turns into a deep dive into murder, robbery, and betrayal involving the victim, a band of criminals and a beautiful woman (Ava Gardner).

Directed by Robert Siodmak                       Starring – Burt Lancaster, Edmund O’Brien, Ava Gardner,

Here’s a classic film noir movie based on the story of the same name by Ernest Hemingway.  It’s also a major picture for both Lancaster (his screen debut), and Gardner (a breakout role).  There’s a musical debut as well.  The well-known notes of what would later become the theme to “Dragnet” are heard here for the first time.  The composer was the same man, Miklós Rózsa, for both.

This is really solid from beginning to end.  Each of the main performers (Lancaster, Gardner, and O’Brien) are perfect in their roles.  Lancaster’s over the hill boxer who is seduced by the sultry girlfriend (Gardner) of the lead bad guy.  After the murder of the ex-pugilist, O’Brien’s insurance investigator just can’t let the mystery go.  He knows something is wrong and it will both him until he can find the answer.  As the investigation begins to piece together the whole story, we watch it unfold through a series of flashbacks.  This was a novel storytelling device at the time, and it stands up very well all these years later.

Just like the search for the truth the movie moves at a predictable, steady pace.  It allows the suspense to build beautifully along the way as well.

There’s an interesting side not to this movie.  The opening scene takes place in a diner, which bears a strong resemblance to Edward Hopper’s classic painting “Nighthawks at the Diner”.  Legend has it that Hopper was inspired by Hemingway’s original short story.  Siodmak was inspired by the look of the Hopper painting for the setting of the first scenes.  A nicely closed, artistic circle.

Why You Will Like It – A great concept turns into a solid script and three standout performances.  If you’ve ever wondered what a great noir film looked like, this is a great place to start.

Rating – **** Recommended