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Force Of Evil on DVD (1948)

Force Of Evil cover art
Average rating: 71%
111518172067
3.5
from 205 members
 
Starring: John Garfield, Thomas Gomez, Marie Windsor, Howard Chamberlain
Director: Abraham Polonsky
Studio: METRODOME DISTRIBUTION
Run time: 78 mins
Certificate: PG
User collections: Cinema Fatale, Obscure
Genres: Drama
Languages: English
Released: 30/01/2006

Brief synopsis of Force Of Evil

Joe Morse lifted the receiver, put it to his ear and heard the 'click' that signified the begining of the end - the phone was tapped and Joe started to panic... Becoming a lawyer for crime boss Ben Tucker he thought was going to make him a million, but now the dream was turning sour and Joe's life was about to come crashing down around him...

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Critics Reviews

Rating of 4 stars out of 5 Radio Times

A truly remarkable one-off, a quintessential film noir filmed on authentic New York locations by the great cinematographer George Barnes with dialogue in blank verse, co-written and directed by Abraham Polonsky. The plot revolves around corruption in the numbers racket, and holding it all together is a remarkably intense performance by John Garfield, doing some of his career best screen work here. But, be warned, this bleak and sordid philosophical allegory may not be to everyone's taste. Polonsky was blacklisted during the McCarthy era witch-hunts and did not direct again until 1969.

Time Out

One of the key films of the '40s. From a novel by Ira Wolfert (Tucker's People), it extracts a clinical analysis of the... Read more on www.timeout.com

Rating of 3 stars out of 4 Halliwell's Film Guide

Bleak and powerful melodrama, an attack on capitalism that is here personified by racketeers.

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Members Reviews

Reviews Voted Most Helpful

Rated - 5 starsa film of intelligence

stephen campbell from uk Guildford , 04/03/2006

The film happens to be one of Martin Scorsese favourites and it is easy to see why ,many of the themes he tackles in his films are present here ,guilt,revenge and a corrupt system are all around in this film and John Garfields lawyer is up to it in his neck and only by losing a loved one will he finally see how absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Its a shame that many involved in this film were named by H.U.A.C and had there careers cut short by innuendo and fear ,very much like what is prevalent in the film.

With George Clooney currently flying the flag for liberal causes this film is more relevant than it ever has been

  7 out of 7 people found this review helpful
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Rated - 5 starsImpressive.

Daniel Ward from Belfast , 04/04/2006

An object lesson in movie making.

Fine acting, direction, and an intelligent script make this a must see.

  3 out of 3 people found this review helpful
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Rated - 4 starsgritty

chungking chungking from London [Highly rated reviewer] , 17/03/2006

Snappy script, solid performances especially from the much underrated John Garfield as the cynical mob accountant. The story almost has a Greek tragedy style quality. Corruption of the innocence, power, money, family loyalty and the girl next door. All in 78 minutes. Great.

  2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
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Rated - 4 starsbrothers in crime

itstinks , 22/08/2007

A story about 2 brothers who are involved in the numbers racket where they talk mean to each other but the brotherly bond means that they actually take risks to help the other. Excellent little drama with spot-on acting by all. Not quite a film-noir but an excellent crime thriller.

  1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
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Most Recent Reviews

Rated - 5 starsImpressive.

Daniel Ward from Belfast , 04/04/2006

An object lesson in movie making.

Fine acting, direction, and an intelligent script make this a must see.

  3 out of 3 people found this review helpful
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Rated - 3 starsNo classic, but enjoyable.

Robert Dawson from Cardiff,Wales. [Highly rated reviewer] , 24/03/2008

Garfield makes the film. The plot is nothing special.The acting,however, is exemplary.

  1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
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