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The Big Knife

Play trailer Poster for The Big Knife 1955,  1h 51m,  Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist 91% 11 Reviews Tomatometer 59% 250+ Ratings Popcornmeter
91% Tomatometer 11 Reviews 59% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
Movie star Charles Castle draws the ire of Hollywood producer Stanley Hoff when he refuses to sign a new seven-year contract. Castle is sick of the low quality of the studio's films and wants to start a new life. While his estranged wife supports him in the decision, Castle's talent agent urges him to reconsider. When Castle continues to be uncooperative, Hoff resorts to blackmail in order to get his way.

Critics Reviews

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Jerry Tallmer Village Voice Jul 27, 2021
Rarely have I been as morbidly fascinated by anything on screen as by The Big Knife. Go to Full Review
Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Oct 6, 2021
3/4
A Clifford Odets theatrical piece morphs into a Hollywood-insider movie, and while the staginess remains, it actually suits this claustrophobic story. Go to Full Review
Yasser Medina Cinefilia Mar 19, 2021
7/10
Its critique of the Hollywood's studio system is as sharp as a knife. [Full review in Spanish] Go to Full Review
Clyde Gilmour Maclean's Magazine Dec 5, 2019
Overwrought and arty though it is in its less beguiling moments, this is an interesting melodrama... Go to Full Review
A.S. Hamrah n+1 Nov 29, 2018
[Steiger] explodes like a neutron bomb, leaving the set standing but obliterating the people. Go to Full Review
Paul Parcellin Film Threat Feb 26, 2018
8/10
Fortunately, an outstanding cast helps make the transition from stage to screen a success. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Poe R Oct 7, 2018 Ridiculous dialogue, stagey, over-the-top acting. There's not much good to say about this one other than to see Palance in an unusual role. See more
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The Big Knife

My Rating

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Cast & Crew

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Robert Aldrich

Director

Jack Palance

Charles Castle

Ida Lupino

Marion Castle

Rod Steiger

Stanley Shriner Hoff

Shelley Winters

Dixie Evans

Wendell Corey

Smiley Coy

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The Big Knife

The Big Knife (1955) The Big Knife (1955) The Big Knife (1955) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Movie star Charles Castle draws the ire of Hollywood producer Stanley Hoff when he refuses to sign a new seven-year contract. Castle is sick of the low quality of the studio's films and wants to start a new life. While his estranged wife supports him in the decision, Castle's talent agent urges him to reconsider. When Castle continues to be uncooperative, Hoff resorts to blackmail in order to get his way.
Director
Robert Aldrich
Producer
Robert Aldrich
Production Co
The Associates & Aldrich Company Inc.
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 1, 2017
Runtime
1h 51m
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