Thieves' Highway
Thieves' Highway

Thieves' Highway

1949Movie94 minEnglish

Nick Garcos comes back from his tour of duty in World War II planning to settle down with his girlfriend, Polly Faber. He learns, however, that his father was recently beaten and burglarized by mob-connected trucker Mike Figlia, and Nick resolves to get even. He partners with prostitute Rica, and together they go after Mike, all the while getting pulled further into the local crime underworld.

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Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes92%
Metacritic80/100
Google Users88%
Director: Jules DassinGenres: Film-Noir, Crime, Drama

Plot Summary

Nicky GIannini returns from the war to find his father's trucking business ruined by racketeers. He vows to get revenge and rebuild the business, but gets entangled with the manipulative Rica Martell. His quest for vengeance leads him down a dangerous path, facing threats from powerful crime figures and the law.

Critical Reception

Thieves' Highway was well-received by critics for its gritty realism, intense atmosphere, and strong performances, particularly from Lee J. Cobb. It's considered a classic of the film noir genre, praised for its depiction of the cutthroat world of produce trucking.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its authentic portrayal of the trucking industry and its noir elements.
  • Richard Conte delivers a compelling performance as a man driven by revenge.
  • The film's dark atmosphere and moral ambiguity are hallmarks of the genre.

Google audience: Viewers appreciated the film's realistic depiction of the produce market and its thrilling, suspenseful plot. Many highlighted the strong acting and the effective, gritty atmosphere that defines film noir.

Awards & Accolades

None notable.

Fun Fact

Director Jules Dassin was later blacklisted by the House Un-American Activities Committee and moved to France, where he continued his successful directing career.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

I think this might be the best effort I've seen from Richard Conte as his "Nick" character comes back from the war eager to pick up his life again with his father and girlfriend "Polly" (Barbara Lawrence). The problem is that in his absence...
John Chard

John Chard

Everyone likes apples - Except doctors. Thieves' Highway is directed by Jules Dassin and adapted to screenplay by A. I. Bezzerides from his own novel Thieves' Market. It stars Richard Conte, Valentine Cortese, Lee J. Cobb, Barbara Lawren...