Touch of Evil
 | Restored to Orson Welles' VisionStarring: Joe Basulto, Joseph Calleia, Ray Collins, Marlene Dietrich, Zsa Zsa Gabor Universal Studios, 1958, DVD Customer Rating: 170 reviews Recommend |
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Heston and leigh are newlyweds framed for murder by a corrupt police chief. Studio: Uni Dist Corp. (mca) Release Date: 07/06/2004 Starring: Charlton Heston Janet Leigh Run time: 111 minutes Rating: Nr Director: Orson Welles
Considered by many to be the greatest B movie ever made, the original-release version of Orson Welles's film noir masterpiece Touch of Evil was, ironically, never intended as a B movie at all — it merely suffered that fate after it was taken away from writer-director Welles, then reedited and released in 1958 as the second half of a double feature. Time and critical acclaim would eventually elevate the film to classic status (and Welles's original vision was meticulously followed for the film's 1998 restoration), but for four decades this original version stood as a testament to Welles's directorial genius. From its astonishing, miraculously choreographed opening shot (lasting over three minutes) to Marlene Dietrich's classic final line of dialogue, this sordid tale of murder and police corruption is like a valentine for the cinematic medium, with Welles as its love-struck suitor. As the corpulent cop who may be involved in a border-town murder, Welles faces opposition from a narcotics officer (Charlton Heston) whose wife (Janet Leigh) is abducted and held as the pawn in a struggle between Heston's quest for truth and Welles's control of carefully hidden secrets. The twisting plot is wildly entertaining (even though it's harder to follow in this original version), but even greater pleasure is found in the pulpy dialogue and the sheer exuberance of the dazzling directorial style. — Jeff Shannon
Title: Touch of Evil (Restored to Orson Welles' Vision)
Sales Rank: 25312 in DVD
Actor: Joe Basulto, Joseph Calleia, Ray Collins, Marlene Dietrich, Zsa Zsa Gabor
Studio: Universal Studios, 2000-10-31, Theatrical Release: 1958
Format: Black & White, Color, Dolby, DVD, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC, Acpect Ratio 1.85:1
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Subtitled), French (Subtitled), Spanish (Subtitled)
Audience Rating: Unrated
Region Code: 1
Running Time: 95 minutes
Package Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches, 0.2 pounds
- BEAUTIFULLY COMPOSED DARKNESS
- This might be the most beautiful black & white film I've ever seen. A stark beauty, but still... The opening shot, which stalks Charlton Heston and Janet Leigh around town for five minutes until the story literally explodes into action is simply amazing, and the film never lets up! Heston is a surprisingly believable Mexican cop,… More reviews
- Touch of Evil with Weaknesses
- Touch of Evil is a good film, but it is not a masterpiece. Early in the movie, it is very clear that we are watching actors on a created set, which disturbs the viewer's focus. Sets are fine, but they should not be "visible." A distinct plot weakness is putting the "wife" in an out-of-the-way seedy motel. You see that she will be isolated and thus targeted miles… More reviews
- Disappointed
- I disliked the story. It may be great film noir, but I couldn't find the story of corrupt cop compelling. I wasn't convinced by the ending where a very complicated situation is conveniently solved for Heston, the film's hero. I also found quite disturbing the way the film's story maintains its tension with Janet Leigh, playing the sexual bait in the… More reviews
- Perhaps the Greatest American Film of All Time
- In its restored glory, Touch of Evil is without doubt a masterpiece. From the beginning, it drives ahead relentlessly, and the suspense generated by that famous first shot is incredible. This is the kind of film that rewards multiple viewings. Like Fellini, Welles populates his films with grotesques. Unlike Fellini, they actually serve the story -in this case, one… More reviews
- A stunning portrait of corruption and abuse of power.
- Touch of Evil was an excellent black and white classic noir film by Orson Welles. I heard about how great this film was and how it had the best cinematography and lighting in any film ever made and yes they weren't kidding. Off course this film from every technical aspect whether it was the acting or the direction… More reviews
