“Night and the City” (1950) starring Richard Widmark / Z-View

Night and the City (1950)

Director:  Jules Dassin

Screenplay:  Jo Eisinger, Austin Dempster, William E. Watts based on NIGHT AND THE CITY by Gerald Kersh.

Stars:  Richard Widmark, Gene Tierney, Googie Withers, Hugh Marlowe, Francis L. Sullivan, Herbert Lom and Mike Mazurki.

Tagline: The inside story of London after dark.

The Plot…

Harry Fabian is a hustler and con man.  Fabian believes he is one big idea away from riches. Only his ideas never pan out.  Fabian’s a hustler. His enthusiasm has brought others along only to see him fail.  Fabian has worn out his chances with the few folks with money to invest.

Then Fabian gets THE idea that will TRULY make him wealthy.

Through a chance encounter Fabian befriended, Gregorius the famous Grecko-Roman wrestler.  Although older now, Gregorius is still a tough man.  Gregorius’ son, Kristo is a professional wrestling promoter.  Kristo’s star attraction makes him a lot of money.  Gregorius cannot stand fake professional wrestling.

Fabian’s plan is to promote a professional wrestling match.  It will put him at odds with Kirsto; which is a dangerous place to be.  But Fabian will maneuver Gregorius to take his side.  A match between Kristo’s star and Gregorius will be a huge money-maker.

Fabian borrows money from a few dangerous people.  Then puts his plan in motion.  If it doesn’t work perfectly… if Kristos doesn’t kill him, the loansharks will.

“The best laid plans of mice and men…”

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Mike Mazurki is one of my old-time chacter actors.  Here he plays a professional wrestler called the Strangler.  Mazurki was once a professional wrestler in real life.

Stanislaus Zbyszko, who plays Gregorius, the Greco-Roman wrestler was a Greco-Roman wrestler in real life … and this was his only film role.

Richard Widmark is perfect as Harry Fabian.  This is my favorite Widmark film.

Night and the City is one of the classic noirs.

Night and the City (1950) rates 5 of 5 stars.