“The Big Combo” (1955) starring Cornel Wilde, Richard Conte, Jean Wallace, Brian Donlevy, Lee Van Cleef and Earl Holliman / Z-View

The Big Combo (1955)

Director: Joseph H. Lewis

Screenplay: Philip Yordan

Stars: Cornel Wilde, Richard Conte, Jean Wallace, Brian Donlevy, Robert Middleton, Lee Van Cleef, Earl Holliman, Helen Walker, Jay Adler, John Hoyt, Ted de Corsia, Helene Stanton, Roy Gordon, James McCallion and Whit Bissell.

Tagline:  The Most Startling Story The Screen Has Ever Dared Reveal!

The Plot…

Detective Lt. Leonard Diamond (Wilde) has made it his personal mission to bring down a crime boss known as Mr. Brown (Conte).  Brown has his fingers in organized crime across the city.  Brown is feared because of his sadistic tendencies and willingness to destroy anyone who crosses him.  Brown is supported by Fante (Van Cleef) and Mingo (Holliman) thugs whose loyalty to is unquestioned.

Detective Diamond is infatuated with Mr. Brown’s girl, Susan (Wallace).  Susan wants out of the relationship, but Mr. Brown would see her dead rather than lose her.  Detective Diamond believes the key to taking down Mr. Brown is a mystery woman named Alicia.

Detective Diamond is getting close to the truth.  Now he is in the crosshairs of Mr. Brown, Fante and Mingo.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Jack Palance was set to play Mr. Brown, but reportedly became upset when they producers refused to hire his wife.  He left shortly before filming was to start, but recommended Richard Conte to replace him.  (Interestingly enough Jean Wallace was Cornell Wilde’s wife at the time.)

The Big Combo pushed the boundaries of what was allowed in movies at the time.  Detective Diamond has a casual sexual relationship with a stripper.  Mr. Brown isn’t married to Susan, but they’re also in a sexual relationship.  Thugs Fante and Mingo are clearly lovers.  The torture scene is much more brutal than usually seen in movies of this era.

The Big Combo (1955) rates 4 of 5 stars.