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The Big Heat
The Big Heat
8.2
/10
2,493 Ratings

THE BIG HEAT

Directed by Fritz Lang
United States, 1953
Thriller, Crime, Film noir, Drama

Synopsis

Police Sergeant Dave Bannion is investigating the apparent suicide of a corrupt cop, then is suddenly ordered to stop. Driven to unravel the mystery, Bannion continues probing—and is soon on a single-handed collision course with a powerful underworld led by Mike Lagana and his cold-blooded henchman.

Synopsis

Police Sergeant Dave Bannion is investigating the apparent suicide of a corrupt cop, then is suddenly ordered to stop. Driven to unravel the mystery, Bannion continues probing—and is soon on a single-handed collision course with a powerful underworld led by Mike Lagana and his cold-blooded henchman.

Our take

A noir classic of staggering viciousness, Fritz Lang’s feverish masterpiece is driven by red-hot desires and ice-cold violence. Lost in this dizzying maze of dirty deeds are feral femme fatales and ruthless bruisers, one of whom is a menacing Lee Marvin in an unforgettable early-career performance.