DuryeaForHollywood Posted February 25, 2012 Share Posted February 25, 2012 Is anybody else watching this right now? More than a few touches lifted from Hitchcock (orange juice stead of milk!) but this is a real gem. Suspense so thick it's almost palpable, and Richard Basehart is abolutely mesmerizing. Robert Wise's direction is atospheric, and extremely suspenseful. He'd obviously learned a lot from his director apprenticeship from Val Lewton. Ten out of 10 from me, for an absolute sleeper. Thanks for bringing this one to us, programmers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lzcutter Posted February 25, 2012 Share Posted February 25, 2012 I loved the shot of Karin looking out the doorway of the garage at night. Incredibly beautiful shot. This is a really good movie. Thanks, TCM! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ValentineXavier Posted February 25, 2012 Share Posted February 25, 2012 I know I've seen it before, but long ago. I'm looking forward to seeing it, when I get off work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingrat Posted February 26, 2012 Share Posted February 26, 2012 I loved that shot, too. Some beautiful black & white photography, great set design, good work by all. Yes, the programmers deserve a big thank you for bringing this one to us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TopBilled Posted February 26, 2012 Share Posted February 26, 2012 It has aired on FMC in the past and is available thru Netflix which is where I had first seen it a year ago. The cable guide gives it only two stars. It works because former-real life marrieds Basehart and Cortese have an intriguing chemistry. I think it should've aired on TCM primetime, and I would present it as part of a double-feature with Preminger's WHIRLPOOL, made at Fox around the same time. They both have the same haunting atmosphere and noir deliciousness. For those that are interested, check out the Criterion restored version of THIEVES HIGHWAY, the other film Cortese made at Fox as part of her multi-picture contract. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ValentineXavier Posted February 26, 2012 Share Posted February 26, 2012 I liked it a lot. The thing I found most interesting was the relationship between Alan and Margaret. We don't really understand it until the end, and it certainly isn't typical! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arturo Posted February 28, 2012 Share Posted February 28, 2012 *For those that are interested, check out the Criterion restored version of THIEVES HIGHWAY, the other film Cortese made at Fox as part of her multi-picture contract.* THIEVES' HIGHWAY is a gritty truck-driver drama from the same writer as THEY DRIVE BY NIGHT. The sexual chemistry between Cortese's Ric©a and Richard Conte's character is palpably hot. Who knew a film about apple harvesting could be so taut. Edited by: Arturo on Feb 27, 2012 8:39 PM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyM108 Posted February 28, 2012 Share Posted February 28, 2012 THIEVES' HIGHWAY is a gritty truck-driver drama from the same writer as THEY DRIVE BY NIGHT. The sexual chemistry between Cortese's Ric©a and Richard Conte's character is palpably hot. Who knew a film about apple harvesting could be so taut. AFAIC Thieves' Highway is the best Hollywood noir never shown on TCM, and even the Fox Movie Channel hasn't shown it in nearly two years. It's not only the Conte-Cortese chemistry that makes it so great ( and she's just as good here as in The House on Telegraph Hill ), it's the masterful performance of Lee J. Cobb as the thuggish fruit mobster. Conte never made the top rank of leading men, but at his best he's always pitch-perfect for his usual everyman or everyhood or everytraitor roles. I only wish that most of his best movies weren't tied up with Fox. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TopBilled Posted February 28, 2012 Share Posted February 28, 2012 THIEVES HIGHWAY also benefits from a nice supporting turn by Jack Oakie. It's really a very good film. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arturo Posted February 28, 2012 Share Posted February 28, 2012 *I think it should've aired on TCM primetime, and I would present it as part of a double-feature with Preminger's WHIRLPOOL, made at Fox around the same time. They both have the same haunting atmosphere and noir deliciousness.* Both HOUSE ON TELEGRAPH HILL and WHIRLPOOL are part of the Fox Film Noir series of DVD releases, sadly discontinued a couple of years back (that is, they are not putting out any more new releases-I see new copies of the various movies of the series in retail outlets). Edited by: Arturo on Feb 28, 2012 2:14 PM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TopBilled Posted February 29, 2012 Share Posted February 29, 2012 I'd love an evening of Preminger's noir on TCM...LAURA, FALLEN ANGEL, WHIRLPOOL, WHERE THE SIDEWALK ENDS, THE 13TH LETTER and ANGEL FACE. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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