The Asphalt Jungle
The Asphalt Jungle

Movie spotlight

The Asphalt Jungle

1950
Movie
113 min
English

Recently paroled from prison, legendary burglar "Doc" Riedenschneider, with funding from Alonzo Emmerich, a crooked lawyer, gathers a small group of veteran criminals together in the Midwest for a big jewel heist.

Insights

IMDb7.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes98%
Google Users94%
Director: John HustonGenres: Film-Noir, Crime, Drama

Plot Summary

A master criminal, 'Doc' Erwin Riedenschneider, assembles a diverse crew of thieves for a daring jewel heist in a major city. He meticulously plans every detail, but the greed and betrayal among his newly formed team threaten to unravel the entire operation. As the heist unfolds and the inevitable chaos ensues, each member's true nature is exposed, leading to a tragic and inevitable downfall.

Critical Reception

The Asphalt Jungle is widely regarded as a masterpiece of the film noir genre and a landmark in heist films. Critics praised its gritty realism, complex characters, and suspenseful narrative. It was also a commercial success, solidifying John Huston's reputation as a director.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its authentic portrayal of the criminal underworld.

  • Hailed as a suspenseful and intelligent crime thriller.

  • Recognized for its influential narrative structure and character development.

Google audience: Audiences widely admire 'The Asphalt Jungle' for its gripping storyline and realistic depiction of crime and its consequences. Many highlight the masterful direction and strong performances as key strengths.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the Academy Awards. It is also recognized as a significant film by the American Film Institute.

Fun Fact

The film's iconic "hunk of a man" line, delivered by Sam Jaffe's character, "The Professor," became a memorable quote and is often cited in discussions of film noir dialogue.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
John Chard

John Chard

Experience has taught me never to trust a policeman. Just when you think one's all right, he turns legit. Out of MGM, The Asphalt Jungle is directed by John Huston and based on the novel of the same name by W.R. Burnett. It stars Sterlin...