The Defiant Ones
1958  NR  DRAMA  1h 36min
CAST— Tony Curtis, Sidney Poitier, Theodore Bikel, Charles McGraw, Cara Williams, Lon Chaney, Jr.
MUSIC— Ernest Gold  DIRECTOR— Stanley Kramer

     Sidney Poitier and Tony Curtis give outstanding performances in this acclaimed drama. Both performing beyond their forte, they play two escaped convicts— chained together at the wrists— who must learn to overcome their prejudices and rely upon one another. Once trust has been established, an unlikely friendship begins to unfold, despite their racially motivated feelings toward one another. This same formula has been rehashed countless times in movie history with varying degrees of success. Here’s one example of the formula’s triumph. Oscar-winner for Best Cinematography— Black and White, Best Writing.
OUR RATING— ***