The Asphalt Jungle
1950  NR  DRAMA  1h 42min
CAST— Sterling Hayden, Louis Calhern, Jean Hagen, James Whitmore, Sam Jaffe, John McIntire
MUSIC— Miklos Rozsa  DIRECTOR— John Huston  BASED ON— The Asphalt Jungle (novel), by W. R. Burnett

     No, not a film about paving over the rain forests, but good guess. Instead we get a rather long-winded tale about a foolproof jewel heist. A rather meek and timid ex-con is the mastermind behind this caper; he hand picks his crew, choosing only the best talents. But foolproof as the heist may be trouble seems to find its way into their plans. As it turns out their financier is broke, one of their men takes a bullet, some rat squeals on them, etc. It seems that crime doesn’t pay after all. The film has some moments of suspense but the best scenes come as the film draws to an end. Considered a classic, but judge for yourself. Later developed into a television series. Deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” by the United States Library of Congress National Film Registry.
OUR RATING— **