A small-time grifter and nightclub tout takes advantage of some fortuitous circumstances and tries to become a big-time player as a wrestling promoter.A small-time grifter and nightclub tout takes advantage of some fortuitous circumstances and tries to become a big-time player as a wrestling promoter.A small-time grifter and nightclub tout takes advantage of some fortuitous circumstances and tries to become a big-time player as a wrestling promoter.
- Nikolas of Athens
- (as Ken. Richmond)
- Diner
- (uncredited)
- Young Policeman
- (uncredited)
- Policeman
- (uncredited)
- Bert
- (uncredited)
- Thug
- (uncredited)
- Nightclub Hostess
- (uncredited)
- Hoskins
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaDirector Jules Dassin made the film while in the process of being blacklisted. Fox studio chief Darryl F. Zanuck told him it could possibly be the last film he'd ever direct, so he should shoot the most expensive scenes first so the studio wouldn't be able to blacklist him until it was completed.
- GoofsAs Harry is being chased through the streets of London at night, he runs down a set of stairs, then turns and runs down a lit street. In the foreground, the cameraman and director's shadows are clearly outlined against the street.
- Quotes
Adam Dunne: Harry is an artist without an art.
Mary Bristol: What does that mean?
Adam Dunne: Well, that is something that could make a man very unhappy, Mary, groping for the right level, the means with which to express himself.
Mary Bristol: Yes, he is that. Is not he? I like that, Adam. It is a very nice thought.
Adam Dunne: Yes, but it can be dangerous.
- Alternate versionsThere are two versions of this film: the British release and the International/American release. Some examples are: a differing voice-over speech; some changed dialogue; the opening scene where Harry returns home after 3 days away is a different take and the nightclub scenes are longer in the British version. The scores of the two films are also entirely different and alternate shots are used at the ending in the British version.
- ConnectionsEdited into American Cinema: Film Noir (1995)
- SoundtracksHere's to Champagne
(uncredited)
Written by Noel Gay
Performed by Gene Tierney (voice dubbed by Maudie Edwards)
Richard Widmark plays Harry Fabian, a low-life con man who makes money as a tout for a club, i.e., he seeks out male tourists and gets them to spend their money there. The club is owned by Phil Nosseross (Francis L. Sullivan) and his wife Helen, who hates her husband and wants to start her own business. Working there is Fabian's girlfriend (Gene Tierney) who loves him in spite of the fact that he's constantly borrowing or stealing money from her.
Harry hits on a scheme to break into wrestling promotion in London. Unfortunately, Kristo (Herbert Lom) has it sewn up. Though his father (Stanislaus Zbyszko, a real-life wrestler) was a great wrestling champion doing Greco-Roman boxing, Kristo does not promote it. This has actually caused a rift between father and son, and Harry moves right in. With the elder Kristo on his side, Harry gets his chance to promote Greco-Roman wrestling. He gets the needed money by promising Helen that he will get her a license to open her business, though the building supposedly can't be licensed for another year. The results of Harry's project lead to tragedy as he brings everybody down with him.
Filmed in black and white only adds to the grittiness of "Night and the City" as Harry runs through London. The film moves as swiftly as he does, leading to the inevitable but exciting climax.
This was a powerhouse role for Richard Widmark, who is a slimy, desperate, and fast-talking Harry. The problem with Harry is, he's really not that good of a con man. He's sloppy. He can get guys into the club but that's about it. He rubs the wrong people the wrong way, and he makes everyone angry until finally, he's a complete untouchable as Kristo chases after him. Widmark gives us a perfect portrait. Tierney is in the film only at the request of Zanuck, who wanted to distract her from her personal problems; she has a surprisingly small role. Herbert Lom is fantastic as Kristo. Stanislaus Zbyszko, whom Dassin sought out, gives a poignant performance as Gregorius the Great. The wonderfully talented Googie Withers is great as the cold and sophisticated Helen. You totally believes she loathes her husband. And Sullivan's Nesseros is easy to loathe as a wealthy worm who plays both ends against the middle to destroy Fabian. They all end up destroying themselves.
Apparently this film did not get appropriate distribution or something, because it's a great film, now out on DVD, and very few people know it. Hopefully, like "Nightmare Alley," another film that was ill-served by Hollywood, it will continue to gain in cult status. It deserves to be seen.
- blanche-2
- Jun 26, 2007
- How long is Night and the City?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Noć i grad
- Filming locations
- Hammersmith Bridge, Hammersmith, London, England, UK(Harry runs across this bridge after leaving Figler's hideout, running to Anna O'Leary's boat shop)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Gross worldwide
- $43,024
- Runtime1 hour 36 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1