Movie spotlight
In New York City, an insolent pickpocket, Skip McCoy, inadvertently sets off a chain of events when he targets ex-prostitute Candy and steals her wallet. Unaware that she has been making deliveries of highly classified information to the communists, Candy, who has been trailed by FBI agents for months in hopes of nabbing the spy ringleader, is sent by her ex-boyfriend, Joey, to find Skip and retrieve the valuable microfilm he now holds.
A small-time crook, Skip McCoy, unknowingly picks up microfilm containing top-secret government information from Candy Kowalski, a seductive informant. This act plunges him into a dangerous underworld of spies and killers, forcing him to navigate a treacherous path between the FBI, the mob, and his own survival instincts. As he gets deeper, Skip must decide where his loyalties lie and how to outsmart those who want the microfilm at any cost.
Pickup on South Street is widely regarded as a masterpiece of film noir and one of Samuel Fuller's finest works. Critics and audiences alike praised its gritty realism, sharp dialogue, and thrilling pace. The film's cynical outlook and morally ambiguous characters resonated with viewers, solidifying its status as a classic of the genre.
Praised for its taut pacing and authentic depiction of the criminal underworld.
Lauded for Richard Widmark's chilling performance as the cynical anti-hero.
Considered a prime example of the classic film noir style, with its dark themes and femme fatale elements.
Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the film's compelling storyline and the effectiveness of its noir atmosphere. Many appreciate the smart plotting and the strong performances, particularly from Richard Widmark.
Nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 1953 Cannes Film Festival.
The film was shot on location in New York City, contributing to its authentic and gritty atmosphere, a hallmark of Fuller's directorial style.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources
Richard Widmark is quite effective in this quickly paced espionage thriller. He's a petty thief whom we see lifting something from a woman's purse on a busy subway train. He's not the only one watching her, though, and as he makes his exit ...
Forget the communist fervour and delve deeper. Skip McCoy is a three time loser pick pocket, unable to curb his instincts back on the street, he picks the purse of Candy on a subway train. What he doesn't realise is that Candy is carryi...