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Catalog/Crime/The Big Knife
The Big Knife poster
A
Excellent
MASTER SCORE 74.5 / 100
1955·Crime / Drama / Film-Noir·1h 51m

THE BIG KNIFE

“A Journey to the Dark Heart of Hollywood”

Movie star Charlie Castle draws the ire of Hollywood producer Stanley Hoff when he refuses to sign a new seven-year contract. Castle is sick of the low quality of the studio's films and wants to start a new life. While his estranged wife supports him in the decision, Castle's talent agent urges him to reconsider. When Castle continues to be uncooperative, Hoff resorts to blackmail in order to get his way.

Above the Line
Robert Aldrich·DirectorJames Poe·WriterClifford Odets·Theatre PlayErnest Laszlo·Director of PhotographyFrank De Vol·Original Music ComposerMichael Luciano·Editor
Cast
Jack Palance·Charles CastleIda Lupino·Marion CastleWendell Corey·Smiley CoyJean Hagen·Connie BlissRod Steiger·Stanley Shriner HoffShelley Winters·Dixie EvansIlka Chase·Patty BenedictEverett Sloane·Nat DanzigerWesley Addy·Horatio "Hank" TeaglePaul Langton·Buddy Bliss
Full Crew
(22 credits)
Directing· 4
Robert Aldrich·DirectorNate D. Slott·Assistant DirectorRobert H. Justman·Second Assistant DirectorJoe Franklin·Script Supervisor
Writing· 2
James Poe·WriterClifford Odets·Theatre Play
Camera· 2
Ernest Laszlo·Director of PhotographyJohn Livesley·Grip
Editing· 1
Michael Luciano·Editor
Sound & Music· 3
Frank De Vol·Original Music ComposerJack Solomon·SoundFrank De Vol·Conductor
Art & Design· 5
William Glasgow·Art DirectionJohn Orlando·Property MasterEdward G. Boyle·Set DecorationLouis Hippe·Makeup ArtistSaul Bass·Title Designer
Production· 4
Robert Aldrich·ProducerJack R. Berne·Production SupervisorJack Murton·CastingRobert Sherman·Producer's Assistant
Other Departments· 1
Bob Russell·Transportation Captain
By the Numbers
74.5
OF 100
Master Score
6.8
OF 10
IMDb
—
CRITICS
Rotten Tomatoes
—
Worldwide Gross
0
Oscar Wins
Where to Watch

THE AVAILABILITY MAP

The canonical record of where this film lives across the streaming map.

Provider Index In Progress

Streaming, rental, and purchase availability for this title is being ingested from the TMDB watch-providers feed and will appear here once the next catalog refresh runs. Until then, the canonical source links below remain the fastest route.

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Poster DNA

THE VISUAL DECONSTRUCTION

A bespoke vision agent's reading of the design language behind The Big Knife's key art.

Dominant Palette
3 colors
#000000
#D3C2AE
#E84C00
Mood
Ominous, Stark, Bold
Composition
Centered
Era
1950s
Visual Style
Graphic Design

“A large, light-colored kitchen knife with a wooden handle and two circular rivets is positioned vertically in the center of a black background. The blade of the”

thrillerdrama
Key Elements
Knife
Atmosphere
Dark
Color Mood
Mixed
Setting
Abstract
Design Score
7/10
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THE NEIGHBORHOOD

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THREE WAYS DEEPER

Auteur
AUT
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GEN
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