The Assassin
Suave antiques dealer Alfredo Martelli is picked up by the police with no justification. At the precinct, Martelli realizes what the investigation is all about-- that he is the main suspect in the killing of his wealthy ex-lover. Is he guilty, or is he just a sleaze?
Insights
Plot Summary
A contract killer, living under an assumed name and trying to escape his past, is blackmailed into committing another murder. He must confront his former associates and the woman who holds the key to his past. The film follows his desperate attempt to fulfill the contract while evading both the law and the dangerous figures from his former life.
Critical Reception
The Assassin, also known as 'The Lady in the Cage', received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising its gritty atmosphere and Widmark's performance, while others found its plot somewhat predictable and its execution uneven. Over time, it has gained recognition as a solid, albeit lesser-known, entry in the crime thriller genre of the early 1960s.
What Reviewers Say
- Richard Widmark delivers a strong performance as a troubled hitman.
- The film captures a gritty, noir-like atmosphere.
- Plot can feel somewhat formulaic for the genre.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for 'The Assassin (1961)' is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The film was originally titled 'The Lady in the Cage' before being released as 'The Assassin'.
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