Kiss of Death (Fox Film Noir)

"Kiss of Death"(1947) holds the distinction of not only marking the film debut of actor Richard Widmark but also contains one of the most vicious murder scenes in film history. That scene, the pushing of a wheelchair bound old woman(played by Mildred Dunnock) down a flight of stairs by gangster Tommy Udo, is not only still shocking but clearly defines the viciousness of the character that Widmark so memorably brings to life. Twilight Time has now brought this classic film noir title to Blu-ray for the first time and the results are once again outstanding. This is the second title from Fox's "Film Noir" DVD series that Twilight has upgraded to Blu-ray in the past year(following "Where the Sidewalk Ends") and the results should more than please fans of the film. There are no vertical lines, dirt, torn or damaged frames that were a problem with the standard DVD and this new Blu-ray presentation of "Kiss of Death" is superb from start to finish. Directed by Henry Hathaway, "Kiss of Death" is filmed almost as a semi-documentary that includes a voice over narration during parts of the film. Hathaway's real life depiction of characters and the tragic situations they find themselves in still hits home after nearly seventy years. The B & W cinematography by Norbert Brodine gives the film a gritty look that is even more impressive now on Blu-ray(Bitrate: 26.99). Both interiors and exteriors are very sharp especially during various New York locations used in the film including scenes filmed at Sing Sing prison. Close-ups are another delight and very detailed. You can clearly see the perspiration on the face of actor Victor Mature as his character is being grilled by the police following a jewelry heist. Costumes, vintage automobiles and individual props(guns, photographs, jewelry, etc.) are another standout. The acting is superb with Victor Mature, Brian Donlevy and Coleen Gray giving very believably performances. But as good as they are in their roles, the film belongs to Richard Widmark. His Oscar nominated performance is unforgettable and will stay with you long after the film reaches it's tragic conclusion. "Kiss of Death" is 99 minutes(Aspect ratio: 1.33:1) and only contains the following subtitle: English SDH. The Audio(English 2.0 DTS-HD MA and English 1.0 DTS-HD MA) is crystal clear and contains no noise artifacts(hiss, pops, crackle etc.) Special features include an isolated music soundtrack; audio commentary by film historians Juile Kirgo, Nick Redman, James Urisini and Alain Silver and the Original Theatrical Trailer. There is an informative booklet by film historian Julie Kirgo also included with the Blu-ray. The Blu-ray disc itself is housed in a clear and solid Blu-ray case that is similar to the Criterion cases. "Kiss of Death" is one the best of the film noir titles released by 20th Century Fox and Twilight Time's new Blu-ray should be an essential addition to everyone's film collection. It comes very highly recommended.

Nick Bianco, played by Victor Mature, is a small-time hood who cannot get a break in honest society because of a past criminal record. Married with two little girls he robs a jewelry store and is caught. Facing hard time of up to 18 years he refuses an Assistant DA's(played by Brian Donlevy) offer to turn state's evidence and receive a lighter sentence or possibly parole. There is no way that Nick will be a "stoolie."While in prison, though, his wife commits suicide in despair and his two little girls are placed in an orphanage. The shock and anger over his wife's death and his childrens' plight change Bianco's mind about cooperating with the DA's office. He gives them information about several cases that win him a parole.This 1947 film noir is famous among film fans for the fantastic debut performance of Richard Widmark as the psychopathic killer Tommy Udo. The unforgettable scene of his pushing a woman in a wheelchair down the stairs while braying his famous and inimitable snarling laugh has been shown countless times for its shock value. It still shocks today, even in our violence-desensitized society.Udo's nasal-toned "big man" contempt toward a better class of people, and Bianco in particular at the end of the movie, is another classic acting invention that Widmark created for his Oscar-nominated role. After Bianco testifies against Udo, and Udo walks anyway, it is only a matter of time for the violent denouement that ends the picture.I found Victor Mature's performance surprisingly solid and low-key. It is a far cry from his later stereotype as the outsize overactor required in "Samson and Delilah," "Demetrius and the Gladiators," and "Hannibal," which are wonderful viewing for the 8-12 year crowd. He is right for the Bianco part. His acting is controlled and subtle. He is convincing as a film noir hero; a basically good guy who cannot catch a break. His redemption comes, of course, through righting a wrong.Brian Donlevy does his usual solid acting job as the Assistant D.A. Coleen Gray is sweetness and light as the babysitter who becomes his second wife and a key player in Bianco's rehabilitation. She does a nice job of narration as well. Karl Malden has a bit part as one of the detectives in one of his early performances.Widmark's performance is classic, but the movie itself is well worth seeing for its suspense and fast-paced plot. Ben Hecht was one of the screenplay writers. That is always a good sign that the movie will have crisp dialogue. Buy it if you like film noir and good moviemaking.

This isn't all noir thrill ride... the very very grim and stark reality of the prison system is a lesson for viewers.This is a landmark in Film Noir for so many reasons. This was the first film appearance of Richard Widmark... playing a very shifty villain with casual sadism. Director Henry Hathaway didn't want Widmark, he had somebody else in mind... a bar tender he had found, or studio regular Richard Conte. But Daryl Zanick overruled him and Widmark had the job. Hathaway and Widmark argued during production, but they buried the hatchet and made 5 films together.In his first day on the set he played the infamous wheelchair scene... with a psychopathic look on his face. That gave him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor in his 1st film.And this was also a breakout performance for Collen Gray. Soon she would be in Red River and others... a great start to her career. It was her husband that did the stunt in the wheelchair.Victor Mature is the leading man, and this was written with him as the such. He plays a reformed crook trying to go straight, and he plays it very well. But he is over-shadowed in the film by Richard Widmark.The story shows the ugly workings of the justice system, shot in location in New York in official locations including Sing Sing, Tombs Prison, Bronx House of Detention for Men, Criminal Courts Building, along with the Chrysler Building and Times Square.Starts in classic film noir fashion a with a heist that goes awry. Hang on!

Although best known for Richard Widmark’s screen debut as psycho hoodlum Tommy Udo, his chilling laugh and the lady in a wheelchair incident, “Kiss Of Death” stands up in its own right as a top-rate film noir thriller. Possessing fine performances from its lead actors, with the generally underrated Victor Mature as the criminal turned squealer Nick Bianco, Coleen Gray as his wife and Brian Donlevy as a “no nonsense’ Assistant DA. The film also has a top-notch screenplay with several memorable sequences, like the sensitive meeting between Bianco and his children in the orphanage or the tension between the antagonists in the restaurant showdown, with the drama benefitting from the genuine New York settings given even greater realism thanks to the superbly clear high definition b&w transfer.Among the Special Features, Richard Widmark gives a fascinating insight into the movie during an interview recorded at the NFT in 2002, recalling how he nearly quit unable to get along with director Henry Hathway (but subsequently made up and went on to make another five films with him) as well as thoughts upon other celebrated moviemakers including Otto Preminger and John Ford.

This review is for the"S1" "Hollywood classics release (DVD). An excellent 4.3 B/W transfer, clear picture, good sound, optional English Subtitles, an interview with Richard Widmark, a commentary and trailer. Not bad for the price. The film is probably on most Film Noir lovers top 10 of favourites, and in fact if, in the pub with like minded fans, the question came up...Name a "Film Noir"..then I would bet this one would be one of, if not the first, to come up. It's a snappy tightly paced 95 minutes with Victor M carrying the film, ably supported by Donlevy as an Asst. DA, and Coleen Gray as Vic's love interest. I have to say here that I have never been comfortable with Widmark's performence, sacrilige as that may be, and I concede I am in a minority, but to me, he never convinced. However the film remains very enjoyable even after nearly 70 years and that speaks volumes. Recomended.

I had wanted to see this film for ages and it didn't disappoint me there is an excellent interview with Richard widmark on this blu Ray well worth buying I would highly recommend it especially for anyone who likes Richard widmark Victor mature is the main star

Victor mature was a very good actor and shows us his full range in this classic film his performance in this is as good as his doc holliday in my darling clementine become a bit of a fan of his recently and this had made me a bigger fan

An excellent addition to the film noir section of home DVD library with this classic production which was to have such a major influence on movies that came later.Thank you seller!