Pickup On South Street [DVD] [1953]

Thrilling film noir, 2 Aug 2004

By 

Miguel M. Santos “miguelmsantos” (London, UK) –

  

  

I decided to get this on impulse buy having read some good reviews on the web. I have to say that I don’t regret it in the least. It’s a very good film noir, unusually fast paced both for its genre and time. Within the first few minutes you get addicted. A pickpocket (Richard Widmark) accidentally steals a microfilm from a handbag – only the woman was a corrier and was being followed by the police as they wanted to catch the communist receiver. Soon he has everyone after the film: the police, the communists and the femme fatale from who he had steal it from the first place. Richard Widmark (whom I don’t like) and Thelma Ritter give wonderful performances. She is as usual the best thing and a complete scene stealer. She got an Oscar nomination for this but lost rather unfairly for Donna Reed. The DVD itself is a barebone release (there are some trailers for other releases, but not the film’s) but the copy is very good.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews 

Was this review helpful to you? 

|

 Comment

Sam Fuller at his best, 29 Mar 2007

By 

Mark Pearce “”Chinatown”” (UK) –

  

Tough uncompromising film from the arch practitioner of the style.Richard Widmark steals a purse which happens to contain secret microfilm little realising the chain of events that will result from his filching.Enter government agents and assorted others who will stop at nothing to get it back.
Essentially a bleak study of human nature where the most redeemable character turns out to a street informer stunningly played by the wonderful Thelma Ritter this is still terrific stuff.Powerhouse direction, a fast pace and superb location work make this a must see.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews 

Was this review helpful to you? 

|

 Comment