THE big heat
High Contrast Cinema fast-forwards to the 1950s for a hardboiled noir masterpiece in the shape of Fritz Lang's The Big Heat.
​
Lang, the German émigré responsible for such revered classics as M and Metropolis, takes Glenn Ford's no-nonsense cop Dave Bannion into a suicide investigation, leading him through a web of corruption and criminality and eventually sending him on a violent path of vengeance in search of justice.
​
The Big Heat also stars film noir icon Gloria Grahame (in a role originally earmarked for Marilyn Monroe) and, in one of his earlier roles, Lee Marvin as a sadistic mobster.
A tough, gripping crime thriller that deserves a big screen viewing.
Glenn Ford
Gloria Grahame
Fritz Lang
Glenn Ford
​
Glenn Ford was born on May 1, 1916, in Quebec Canada. His journey into acting began on stage in the late 1930s before moving into films when he signed with Columbia Pictures in 1939.
​
It was in the 1940s that Ford began making his mark on cinema, demonstrating his acting prowess across a spectrum of roles, notably as a small-time gambler in the film noir classic Gilda (1946), where his electric chemistry with Rita Hayworth captivated audiences.
​
Throughout the '50s and '60s, Ford's career continued to flourish, showcasing his ability to effortlessly shift between dramatic, romantic, and action-packed roles. His memorable performances in Blackboard Jungle (1955) and The Rounders (1965) added depth and dimension to his already impressive filmography.
​
Recognized for his versatility across various genres, Ford's talent earned him critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase.
​
His legacy as a multifaceted actor was solidified by an Oscar nomination for his role in the comedy Pocketful Of Miracles (1961). Despite his on-screen range, Ford maintained a private and introspective personal life.
​
Glenn Ford passed away on August 30, 2006, aged 90, and will be remembered his the diversity of his roles and his unwavering dedication to his craft.
​
Gloria Grahame
​
Gloria Grahame, born on November 28, 1923, was a captivating actress known for her distinctive on-screen presence during Hollywood's Golden Age. Her journey into acting began in the early 1940s, gaining attention for her portrayal of troubled and sultry characters, an early highlight being her turn as Violet Bick in It's A Wonderful Life (1946).
​
Grahame's ability to infuse her roles with depth and complexity made her stand out in films like Crossfire (1947), In A Lonely Place (1950) and The Big Heat (1953). She won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in The Bad And The Beautiful (1952) and her performances during this period exhibited a remarkable range, reflecting her status as an actress who effortlessly navigated both grit and vulnerability on screen.
​
Personal challenges and a tumultuous private life contributed to the decline of her career although she continued working on stage and television up to her death in 1981.
She's now remembered as a luminous talent thanks to a series of dazzling contributions to cinema history that have stood the test of time.
​
Fritz Lang
​
Fritz Lang, born on December 5, 1890, was a pioneering director and screenwriter renowned for his influential contributions to early and classic cinema.
Hailing from Austria, Lang began his career in the German film industry during the 1910s and swiftly made a name for himself through his innovative visual storytelling techniques.
​
In the 1920s, Lang's ground-breaking films such as Metropolis (1927) and the crime thriller M (1931) solidified his reputation as a visionary director.
​
The rise of Nazism in Germany led Lang to flee to the United States in the early 1930s, where he continued his illustrious career in Hollywood. His American films, such as Fury (1936), Scarlet Street (1945) and The Big Heat (1953), showcased his mastery in creating atmospheric, suspenseful dramas and film noirs, earning him widespread acclaim.
​
A director ahead of his time, Lang's influence extended beyond his era, serving as an inspiration to generations of filmmakers. Fritz Lang passed away on August 2, 1976, leaving behind a rich and enduring legacy that continues to shape and influence the art of filmmaking.






