The Burglar
The Burglar

Movie spotlight

The Burglar

1957
Movie
90 min
English

Burglar Nat Harbin and his two associates set their sights on wealthy spiritualist Sister Sarah, who has inherited a fortune -- including a renowned emerald necklace -- from a Philadelphia financier. Using Nat's female ward, Gladden, to pose as an admirer and case the mansion where the woman lives, they set up a perfect break-in. Things get complicated afterwards.

Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Director: Paul WendkosGenres: Film Noir, Crime, Thriller

Plot Summary

A notorious cat burglar, recently released from prison, plans one last big heist to steal a valuable diamond necklace. However, his obsession with a beautiful woman and the suspicion of a determined detective complicate his plans. As he navigates the treacherous underworld and eludes capture, he finds himself entangled in a web of betrayal and double-crosses.

Critical Reception

The Burglar received mixed reviews upon its release, with critics often divided on its convoluted plot and stylistic choices. While some praised its noir atmosphere and Duryea's performance, others found it predictable and less compelling than other films in the genre. Audience reception was similarly varied, with its adult themes and suspenseful elements appealing to some viewers more than others.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its tense atmosphere and Dan Duryea's gritty performance.

  • Criticized for a somewhat predictable plot and underdeveloped characters.

  • Appreciated for its stylish noir direction and suspenseful sequences.

Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the film's suspenseful nature and the compelling presence of Dan Duryea. Some viewers found the plot engaging, while others noted it could be convoluted. The film noir elements and its portrayal of criminal activity are frequently mentioned points of discussion.

Fun Fact

The film is notable for its innovative use of color cinematography, which was still relatively uncommon for many crime thrillers of the era, and was one of the first films to be shot entirely in Eastman Color.

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