A major heist goes off as planned, but then double crosses, bad luck and solid police work cause everything to unravel.A major heist goes off as planned, but then double crosses, bad luck and solid police work cause everything to unravel.A major heist goes off as planned, but then double crosses, bad luck and solid police work cause everything to unravel.
- Nominated for 4 Oscars
- 5 wins & 14 nominations total
William 'Wee Willie' Davis
- Timmons
- (as William Davis)
Mary Anderson
- Police Broadcaster
- (voice)
- (uncredited)
Ray Bennett
- Detective in Hardy's Office
- (uncredited)
David Bond
- Father Sortine
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe poster showing Marilyn Monroe in a purple dress was created much later, after she became a household name. Monroe was basically unknown when the film was made in 1950 and only has a very small role. She certainly wouldn't have been given top billing at the time. In fact, she wasn't named on the original posters at all.
- GoofsWhen the police enter Gus's diner, he turns the volume of the music up, but oddly he does it by turning the dial counterclockwise, which would normally turn volume down. When they go, Gus turns the volume down, again turning the dial counterclockwise.
- Quotes
Doc Riedenschneider: One way or another, we all work for our vice.
- Alternate versionsAlso available in a computer colorized version.
- ConnectionsEdited into American Cinema: Film Noir (1995)
Featured review
"One way or another, we all work for our vice."
THE ASPHALT JUNGLE is a film with extremely realistic description of the criminals (losers) in a successful enterprise. At the center of the story is a robbery carried out by a group of criminals who, regardless of social position and education essentially losers from the start. The film, which has a distinctly noir style seems natural in a vicious circle of crime in which criminals devour themselves. From the above it can be concluded that the characterization is very good. Taking into account characteristics such as loyalty or duplicity, this would be one of many good noir films.
I can only conclude from the criminals in this film are not up, well-planned, robbery. In fact they are not explicitly negative characters. They are quite vulnerable. These are seen when things went wrong. Robbery in the film is on one hand a lifeline for criminals (who could not reach), and on the other side the redemption of the police. Fascinating is the way in which the director merged underground. Rogue and bully, rich and cheeky bookie, an ex-con with a brilliant plan of robbery and well-known lawyer who was left penniless. Each of the characters wants a sort of salvation.
Sterling Hayden as Dix Handley is confident, fiery and arrogant bully who just wants to go home. Louis Calhern as Alonzo D. Emmerich is witty and resourceful lawyer, who used all means to get his hands on the spoils and with his mistress fled the country. Sam Jaffe as "Doc" Erwin Riedenschneider is a mastermind and a criminal who acts like he has all the cards up his sleeve. I have to mention Marilyn Monroe as a mistress. Well, beautiful and incredibly hot mistress.
Everything seems pretty rotten but basically it is not. This movie is a balanced blend of action and reaction of the same character.
I can only conclude from the criminals in this film are not up, well-planned, robbery. In fact they are not explicitly negative characters. They are quite vulnerable. These are seen when things went wrong. Robbery in the film is on one hand a lifeline for criminals (who could not reach), and on the other side the redemption of the police. Fascinating is the way in which the director merged underground. Rogue and bully, rich and cheeky bookie, an ex-con with a brilliant plan of robbery and well-known lawyer who was left penniless. Each of the characters wants a sort of salvation.
Sterling Hayden as Dix Handley is confident, fiery and arrogant bully who just wants to go home. Louis Calhern as Alonzo D. Emmerich is witty and resourceful lawyer, who used all means to get his hands on the spoils and with his mistress fled the country. Sam Jaffe as "Doc" Erwin Riedenschneider is a mastermind and a criminal who acts like he has all the cards up his sleeve. I have to mention Marilyn Monroe as a mistress. Well, beautiful and incredibly hot mistress.
Everything seems pretty rotten but basically it is not. This movie is a balanced blend of action and reaction of the same character.
helpful•50
- elvircorhodzic
- Sep 14, 2016
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Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Languages
- Also known as
- The Asphalt Jungle (The City Under the City)
- Filming locations
- 120-128 Sycamore Street, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA(opening scenes - The Vulcan Copper & Supply Co.)
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $1,232,000 (estimated)
- Gross worldwide
- $29,868
- Runtime1 hour 52 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1
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