Kiss of Death
Seen it?1947 | 99 min | Crime, Thriller
Saturday Specialearly ratingWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It earned strong reviews (89% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it drew serious awards attention, despite soft box office. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for crime fans and anyone who likes to be kept guessing. If you loved The Silence of the Lambs or The Asphalt Jungle, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Tense, gritty.
- The pace
- Fast-moving, at 1 hr 39 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1947: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
An ex-con trying to go straight must face a crazed criminal out for revenge.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
89% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
7.1 out of 10
- AwardsStrong
Won 1 Golden Globe: Golden Globes Awards: Best Motion Picture Story. Also nominated for 2 Oscars. Plus 2 other awards.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$2 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 53K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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The Silence of the Lambs
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed prison crime thriller.
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The Asphalt Jungle Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed heist crime story.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Henry Hathaway
- Victor MatureNick Bianco
- Brian DonlevyAssistant D.A. Louis D'Angelo
- Coleen GrayNettie Cavallo
- Richard WidmarkTommy Udo
- Taylor HolmesEarl Howser
- Howard SmithWarden
- Karl MaldenSgt. William Cullen
- Anthony Ross'Big Ed' Williams (uncredited)
- Robert AdlerDetective (uncredited)
- Rollin BauerSing Sing Guard (uncredited)