The Asphalt Jungle
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An aging criminal is released from prison and decides to assemble the old gang to go on one last perfect heist.
[videorecording (DVD)]
From a novel by W.R. Burnett.
Special features: Introduction by John Huston derived from an archival interview; Commentary by author/film-noir specialist Drew Casper with co-star James Whitmore; Theatrical trailer.
DVD; region 1, NTSC; standard version, presented in a format preserving the aspect ration of its original theatrical exhibition; Dolby Digital mono.
In English or dubbed French dialogue with optional English, French or Spanish subtitles; closed-captioned.
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Quotes
Add a QuoteGus (feeding a cat on the counter of his diner): "Smart cat. Never does a lick of work, stays out all night, sleeps all day." Truck driver: "What's a big, dirty cat doin' in an eatin' joint? I run over one every time I get a chance. People feedin' cats and some kids haven't got enough to eat." Gus: "You gonna buy that magazine?" Truck driver: "Why should I? I seen all the dames in it already. Wanna make somethin' of it?" Gus: "You're a little off your beat, ain'tcha buster?" Truck driver: "How d'ya mean, Humpty Dumpty?" Gus: "I mean you don't belong around here... are ya just passin' through..." (grabs him and throws him out) "Only not fast enough! ...If I ever see you runnin' over a cat I'll kick your teeth out." Truck driver: "I'd take you apart if you were about a foot taller 'n straightened up a little..." (Gus jumps, the trucker screws)
Cobby: "Hello Dix. Whatta you want?" Dix: "I wanna make a bet." Cobby: "Well?" Dix: "Your man says you got to okay it." Cobby: "Whattya in for?" Dix: "Twenty three hundred and some." Cobby: "Okay, your tab's good for twenty five hundred. But that's the limit -- either pick a winner or... pay me when you get that far." Dix: "DON'T BONE ME!" Cobby: "Now, look, I'm not bonin'-" Dix: "Did I ever welch?" Cobby: "Nobody said you did-" Dix: "You just boned me!" Cobby: "Look, Dix, I-" Dix: "I'm not askin' you any favors, I'll go get you your twenty three hundred -- right now." (walks out)
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Add a CommentJean Pierre melville influence
A pitch-black double-crossing noir from John Huston, adapted from W.R. Burnett's ("Little Caesar", "Scarface", "High Sierra", etc.) novel; so dark you've gotta squint. Pretty racy for 1950, too. Brilliant characters. 'Dix', (Sterling Hayden), the big galoot who ends up without "enough blood left in him to keep a chicken alive"; the homeless dame, 'Doll' (Jean Hagen); 'Gus', (James Whitmore), the hunchbacked greasy spoon owner; 'Cobby', the slimy, sweaty, dive owner/bookie; a dirty cop on the take (who'd-a-thunk?); a sleazy, overextended, bankrupt lawyer (incomprehensible!); 'Doc', the little German, perverted, ex-con mastermind; and Holy Mary, Mother of God, the bombshell... a 23 year old Marilyn Monroe... rrrRRROWWWRRR!!! Dynamite flick. This one's a keeper. FIVE STARS.
Noir straight up, no chaser. The crooks are just doing their job, like anyone else. Bluegrass boy Dix Handley (!) is the most successful: he gets to choose his own death.