The Big Knife

"A Journey to the Dark Heart of Hollywood"

Nov 24 1955 Approved 1h 51m
Crime, Drama, Film-Noir

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.

Plot

Charles Castle is a successful Hollywood actor who has opted for screen success over art. He must make critical decisions regarding his career, his marriage, his art & morality. In this screen adaptation of a Clifford Odets play, Castle is pressured by his studio boss and manipulated into a potentially murderous cover-up to protect his career. An indictment of the amoral world of 50's Hollywood and its corrosive effect upon the artist.

Written by

James Poe, Clifford Odets

Directed by

Robert Aldrich

Cast

Jack Palance, Ida Lupino, Wendell Corey

Crew

View crew

Production Countries

United States of America

Production Companies

The Associates & Aldrich Company, United Artists

Languages

English

Awards

1 win & 2 nominations

Trailers
The Big Knife (1955) ORIGINAL TRAILER [HD 1080p]
Scores
# of Votes
4,561
Average Rating
6.8 out of 10
Metascore
NA
Popularity
NA