The Big Steal (1949)

Best movie of this year hands down!

Nice effects though.

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

There are moments in this movie where the great movie it could've been peek out... They're fleeting, here, but they're worth savoring, and they happen often enough to make it worth your while.

It's kinda Fun to Read Critics Twist and Turn this into a Film Noir with Varying Results. But the Bottom Line is No. This is not a Film Noir but is Nonetheless a Watchable, Frantic, Chase/Comedy that is a Rather Light Romp Considering the Talent Involved.It is a Wide Open, Dirt Road of a Movie that has more Motion and is more Expansive than most of the B-Movies of the Forties. The Characters are One Dimensional and the Dialog is Hardly Cynical. There are a Few Fisticuffs that are Effective and Occasionally the Film can turn a bit Brutal. But in the End it is just too Whimsical to be anything more than a Good, and a bit Different Crime Movie. One of the Early Efforts from Director Don Siegel and while it is Sometimes Intriguing, the Overall Tone is as Light as the Bright Mexican Landscape.

Robert Mitchum (Duke Halliday) is chasing Patric Knowles (Fiske) who stole an army payroll of $300,000.00 from him. In turn, William Bendix (Captain Blake) is hot on the heels of Mitchum whom he believes has taken off with the money himself. Knowles has also stolen $2,000.00 from girlfriend Jane Greer (Joan) who has caught up with him and wants her money back. Everyone arrives in Mexico and the chase is on.This film is basically one long car chase and the cast all play their parts just fine. Mitchum was arrested in a drugs bust and spent some time in jail during this film and so it's understandable that he wants to get his hands back on the loot so that he can make a nice investment in some Mexican marijuana.The version that I watched was, alarmingly, a colourized version. This was simple enough to fix, ie, just turn the colour right down on the TV, but that is not the point. Film-making in black and white is a completely different process in terms of lighting consideration, materials and textures used to provide an effective contrast between different shades of grey, how to make things sparkle, etc. For someone to come along and start colouring in these black and white films is utterly moronic, illustrates a complete lack of understanding of how the medium of film works, and annoys the viewer.Unfortunately, there is just not a lot going on in this film. Everyone meets up in the end and the film pans out exactly as you would expect it to. In fact, the role of William Bendix makes little sense once you get to the end of the film. Whilst the film is OK to pass the time, I've no idea why such a distinguished cast bothered with it. It did have one purpose though - it must have inspired ABBA to write their hit song "Chiquitita".

The Big Steal is directed by Don Siegel and adapted by Gerald Drayson Adams & Daniel Mainwaring from the short story "The Road to Carmichael's" written by Richard Wormser. It stars Robert Mitchum, Jane Greer, William Bendix, Patric Knowles & Ramon Novarro. Music is by Leigh Harline and the cinematographer is Harry J. Wild.U.S. Army Lieutenant Duke Halliday (Mitchum) is robbed of a $300,000 payroll and pursues the man responsible into Mexico. But on his tail is Captain Vincent Blake (Bendix), who suspects him of being behind the robbery himself. Meeting up with Joan Graham (Greer), it turns out that she too has an agenda with the man Duke is after. Originally suspicious of each other, the duo form an uneasy alliance in the hope of achieving their aims.At just 71 minutes in length The Big Steal is a briskly put together movie, one that is sharply scripted, acted accordingly and directed without fuss or filler. Lensed on location in and around Mexico City to add authenticity, it gets straight into its plot from the get go. This at first gives a slight feeling of confusion, but it's not before long when the narrative pulls together and the audience can sit back and lap up the various twists, turns and choice dialogue exchanges. More comedy crime caper than film noir stinger, The Big Steal is an enjoyable enough experience. 6.5/10

Robert Mitchum and Jane Greer, who were in "Out of the Past" together, reunite for this tale about chasing Patric Knowles, who has stolen money from the U.S. government. Bob is chasing him and meets Jane along the way, with William Bendix on Bob's tail. Patrick has "borrowed" $2,000.00 from Jane, which was a lot to her and she wants it back.You can't really compare this to "Out of the Past." It may not be as good as it, but "The Big Steal" can stand on its own merit. And, Bob and Jane definitely have good rapport. She is definitely one to have on your side. Their reckless driving and practically consistent chasing each other helps to keep the pace going. So steal 72 minutes to see Bob and Jane "cop a Sunday."