The Big Knife (1955)

TOMATOMETER

86%

——

Critic Consensus: No consensus yet.

AUDIENCE SCORE

57%

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Movie Info

In this film version of Clifford Odets' play, Jack Palance plays big-time movie star Charlie Castle, who refuses to sign a binding, $3000 per week contract with mogul Rod Steiger. Steiger tries to blackmail Palance into re-signing by revealing that Palance was behind the wheel during a hit-and-run accident.
  • Rating:
    PG
  • Genre:
    Classics, Drama
  • Directed By:
    Robert Aldrich
  • Written By:
    James Poe
  • In Theaters:
     wide
  • On Disc/Streaming:
  • Runtime:
  • Studio:
    MGM Home Entertainment

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Cast

Jack Palance
as Charles Castle
Rod Steiger
as Stanley Shriner Hoff
Ida Lupino
as Marion Castle
Wendell Corey
as Smiley Coy
Shelley Winters
as Dixie Evans
Jean Hagen
as Connie Bliss
Ilka Chase
as Patty Benedict
Everett Sloane
as Nat Danziger
Wesley Addy
as Hank Teagle
Paul Langton
as Buddy Bliss
Nick Dennis
as Nick
Bill Walker
as Russell
Michael Winkelman
as Billy Castle
Mel Welles
as Bearded Man
Robert Sherman
as Bongo Player
Strother Martin
as Stillman
Ralph Volkie
as Referee
Michael Fox
as Announcer
Ernst R. von Theumer
as Bearded Man
Richard Boone
as Narrator
Robert Emhardt
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Critic Reviews for The Big Knife

All Critics (7)

[Steiger] explodes like a neutron bomb, leaving the set standing but obliterating the people.

Nov 29, 2018 | Full Review…
n+1

Fortunately, an outstanding cast helps make the transition from stage to screen a success.

Feb 26, 2018 | Rating: 8/10 | Full Review…
Film Threat

A Tinseltown exposé like a manicured hand clenched into a fist

Oct 2, 2013 | Full Review…
CinePassion

A stinging film on Hollywood's studio system.

Oct 17, 2004 | Rating: A- | Full Review…
Ozus' World Movie Reviews

...an antiquated misfire.

Mar 16, 2004 | Rating: 44/100
Apollo Guide
View All Critic Reviews (7)

Audience Reviews for The Big Knife

A pretty good Hollywood story movie, but I saw it on TV and didn't get to watch the whole thing, so I can't say much about it. I would like to see the end.

Aj V
Aj V

Super Reviewer

½

Good film about Hollywood with great performances and script. This would get another star if they cut about 15 minutes toward the end. Everyone is good in it but Palance gives the best performance of his career,and Steiger is fucking amazing as a L.B. Mayer type studio head. Good film.Watch it!

cody franklin
cody franklin

Super Reviewer

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The Big Knife Quotes

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