The Big Combo

The Big Combo (1955)

Runtime: 84 minutes

Directed by: Joseph H. Lewis

Starring: Cornel Wilde, Richard Conte, Jean Wallace, Brian Donlevy, Lee Van Cleef, Earl Holliman

From: Allied Artists Pictures

I am not quite sure how the title relates to the plot of this noir (unless it was referring to the two homosexual supporting characters who were in a relationship) but that is irrelevant as this is a very good picture:

If only more modern films could have villains like this.

Yesterday all through the day on TCM they played random film noirs, and this was on the tail end of that little marathon. Even though it is in the public domain and easy to track down, not having to do any streaming to check this out seemed like a swell idea and I hope to see at least one of the other films they showed on this day via on-demand.

As for The Big Combo, what an incredible bad guy they created here in Mr. Brown, the crime boss who goes against straight arrow cop Leonard Diamond. Diamond has spent a lot of money trying to nail Brown, but the crime boss is a smart criminal so he is always able to skirt the law, causing Diamond to become obsessed. The cop then goes after Brown's moll, a femme fatale (but of course) known as Susan. And who is this Alicia that keeps on being brought up?

The Big Combo is about as pure a film noir as you can get, as all the hallmarks are there, including great usage of light/shadow and some foggy scenes. A huge asset was the cinematography from John Alton-it was gorgeous and was perfect for a film noir. But the true highlight was Richard Conte as Mr. Brown. The character was an evil bastard, someone who was happy to brag about how he is too smart to get caught, belittles his minions and spouts acres of tremendous dialogue, such as bellowing to Diamond about how small his police officer's salary is. Plus, what a method he created for torturing Diamond in one scene that won't leave any physical evidence. Conte did a fantastic job playing this astounding figure.

The film has some risque moments. Diamond knows a dancer named Rita and it's rather obvious they have a friends with benefits sort of relationship. Plus, there is a moment where oral sex clearly happens. But most daring for the time is the relationship between two of Brown's henchmen, played by Lee Van Cleef and Earl Holliman. They are always together doing Brown's dirty work, including murder. I did not notice it right away but eventually you discover that they are more than just co-workers who eventually became friends... and it is not just the scene where it is shown that those two live in the same apartment!

If you are interested in “queer cinema”, this is definitely one to see. Heck, if you enjoy the genre this is a must watch.