The Big Knife

"A Journey to the Dark Heart of Hollywood"

1955 1h 51m EN

😐

6.0

MID

★6.0TMDB · 99

CrimeDrama

Synopsis

Spoiler shield

Movie star Charlie 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.

“A Journey to the Dark Heart of Hollywood”

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Where to watch · US

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Cast

Jack Palance
Charles Castle
Ida Lupino
Marion Castle
Wendell Corey
Smiley Coy
Jean Hagen
Connie Bliss
Rod Steiger
Stanley Shriner Hoff
Shelley Winters
Dixie Evans
Ilka Chase
Patty Benedict
Everett Sloane
Nat Danziger

Credits

Behind the camera

Director: Robert Aldrich
Writers: James Poe
Languages: English
Countries: United States of America

Want more? Switch to Cinephile mode in the header for DP, composer, budget, box office, production companies, keywords, and release history.

Did you know?

Fun facts 🍿

1 / 8

ERA

Did you know

71 years old — a genuine piece of film history.

MoodPlayr · trivia#01

2 / 8

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Directed by Robert Aldrich, shot by Ernest Laszlo. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.

MoodPlayr · trivia#02

3 / 8

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Original score by Frank De Vol. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.

MoodPlayr · trivia#03

4 / 8

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Editor Michael Luciano shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.

MoodPlayr · trivia#04

5 / 8

CAST

Did you know

Jack Palance and Ida Lupino and Wendell Corey carry the top of the cast.

MoodPlayr · trivia#05

6 / 8

FACT

Did you know

Marketing tagline: "A Journey to the Dark Heart of Hollywood".

MoodPlayr · trivia#06

7 / 8

WILD

Did you know

IMDB entry: tt0047880 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.

MoodPlayr · trivia#07

8 / 8

WILD

Did you know

Only 99 TMDB ratings — you're getting ahead of the curve on this one.

MoodPlayr · trivia#08

Cinephile deep dive

The take

Robert Aldrich directs. Ernest Laszlo behind the camera. Frank De Vol scores. Michael Luciano cuts. Produced in United States of America. Dialogue in English.

Trivia

Things worth knowing

171 years old — a genuine piece of film history.
2Directed by Robert Aldrich, shot by Ernest Laszlo. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.
3Original score by Frank De Vol. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.
4Editor Michael Luciano shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.
5Jack Palance and Ida Lupino and Wendell Corey carry the top of the cast.
6Marketing tagline: "A Journey to the Dark Heart of Hollywood".
7IMDB entry: tt0047880 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.
8Only 99 TMDB ratings — you're getting ahead of the curve on this one.