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Poster for The Big Knife

The Big Knife

Seen it?

1955 | 111 min | Crime, Drama

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (91% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office flop and little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for crime-drama fans. If you loved The Asphalt Jungle or Glengarry Glen Ross, start here.
The mood
Dark and gritty.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 51 min.
What might put you off
Made in 1955: an older pace and style.

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.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    91% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerWeak

    $1 million worldwide

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 19K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Robert Aldrich

  • Jack PalanceCharles Castle
  • Ida LupinoMarion Castle
  • Wendell CoreySmiley Coy
  • Jean HagenConnie Bliss
  • Rod SteigerStanley Shriner Hoff
  • Shelley WintersDixie Evans
  • Ilka ChasePatty Benedict
  • Everett SloaneNat Danziger
  • Wesley AddyHoratio "Hank" Teagle
  • Paul LangtonBuddy Bliss