The Big Knife

Critics Consensus

No consensus yet.

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:

Nov 25, 1955 wide
On Disc/Streaming:

Oct 15, 2002
Runtime:

113 minutes
Studio:

MGM Home Entertainment

Watch it now

Netflix

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

Richard Boone
as Narrator

Robert Emhardt

View All

Critic Reviews for The Big Knife

All Critics (7) | DVD (1)

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

Nov 29, 2018 | Full Review…

A.S. Hamrah
n+1
Fortunately, an outstanding cast helps make the transition from stage to screen a success.

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

Paul Parcellin
Film Threat
A Tinseltown exposé like a manicured hand clenched into a fist

Oct 2, 2013 | Full Review…

Fernando F. Croce
CinePassion
A stinging film on Hollywood's studio system.

Oct 17, 2004 | Rating: A- | Full Review…

Dennis Schwartz
Ozus' World Movie Reviews
...an antiquated misfire.

Mar 16, 2004 | Rating: 44/100

David Nusair
Apollo Guide

View All Critic Reviews (7)

Audience Reviews for The Big Knife

Sep 05, 2010

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 Super Reviewer
Apr 17, 2008

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 f Super Reviewer