The Killers (1946)

Passed   |    |  Crime, Drama, Film-Noir

The Killers (1946) Poster

Hit men kill an unresisting victim, and investigator Reardon uncovers his past involvement with beautiful, deadly Kitty Collins.

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7.8/10
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Photos

  • Burt Lancaster and Ava Gardner in The Killers (1946)
  • Burt Lancaster and Ava Gardner in The Killers (1946)
  • Burt Lancaster and Ava Gardner in The Killers (1946)
  • Mark Hellinger and Sam Levene in The Killers (1946)
  • Burt Lancaster and Ava Gardner in The Killers (1946)
  • Ava Gardner in The Killers (1946)

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Awards

Nominated for 4 Oscars.

Another 3 wins.

Reviews & Commentary

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User Reviews
11 November 2004 | cebudden-1
9
| Has aged unbelievably well.
Maybe I've just seen too many old movies, but for me, other than the period fedoras and suits, nothing about this movie would really give away that it's almost 60 years old.

The plot is solid and keeps you guessing until the end, with many twists and turns along the way, and is told asynchronously (perhaps necessary for today's audiences, which may be why it holds up so well). The acting is great, quite realistic, and for the most part avoids the maudlin sentiment and overacting that characterizes some older films.

The Killers is an incredibly enjoyable crime film, perhaps the perfect crime film. I haven't seen the remake, so I can't comment on that, but I hold this film in high regard.

Critic Reviews

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Did You Know?

Trivia

Included among the "1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die", edited by Steven Schneider.

Quotes

Max: I'll tell ya what's gonna happen. We're gonna kill the Swede. You know big Swede that works over at the filling station?
George: You mean Pete Lunn?
Max: If that's what he calls himself. Comes in every night at six o'clock, don't he?
George: Yes, if he comes.
Al: We know ...

Goofs

There were several errors involving the firearms used. When Burt robs his cohorts, the gun is obviously not real, probably rubber, because the barrel is pointed downward from the frame. If he were to shoot at someone's chest, the bullet would probably hit below the belt. When Edmond O'Brien is holding his pistol at the bad guy, he says it is a .45, but a trained eye can see that it is either a .32 or .380, most likely of Spanish origin. When Edmond asks Sam Levene if he has another .45 for him, Levene says yes, but the gun turns out to be a .38 revolver instead.

Soundtracks

With Plenty of Money and You
(1936) (uncredited)
Music by Harry Warren
Played on piano in Lou Tingle's cafe

Storyline

Plot Summary

Genres

Crime | Drama | Film-Noir | Mystery

Details

Release Date:

30 August 1946

Language

English

Country of Origin

USA

Filming Locations

Universal Studios - 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, USA

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