Edward G. Robinson, who in my opinion can be hammy at times, really nailed this role as the controlling Italian patriarch. This is a psychologically straightforward film that is nevertheless satisfying on more than an entertainment level.
Conte and Hayward, both fine, have some snappy noirish dialog, and their relationship, like most of what occurs in the plot, is on a visceral emotional level, without any deep explanation except "this is what the heart makes people do." And as the film shows it is often to their own pain.
The height of this is what happens to Conte after an act of extreme (though extremely misguided) loyalty to one he loves, which ultimately makes him pay a great price.
The production values of this film are very fine; the forward narrative motion of the story held my interest to the very end. And even though there seemed to be a bit of trimming of exposition -- with the introduction of the Hayward character here and there being a bit awkward and lacking explanation and motivation -- there were enough superior moments to raise the film above the ordinary.
And Luther Adler's performance as brother "Joe" was fantastic.
Conte and Hayward, both fine, have some snappy noirish dialog, and their relationship, like most of what occurs in the plot, is on a visceral emotional level, without any deep explanation except "this is what the heart makes people do." And as the film shows it is often to their own pain.
The height of this is what happens to Conte after an act of extreme (though extremely misguided) loyalty to one he loves, which ultimately makes him pay a great price.
The production values of this film are very fine; the forward narrative motion of the story held my interest to the very end. And even though there seemed to be a bit of trimming of exposition -- with the introduction of the Hayward character here and there being a bit awkward and lacking explanation and motivation -- there were enough superior moments to raise the film above the ordinary.
And Luther Adler's performance as brother "Joe" was fantastic.