A small-time grifter and nightclub tout takes advantage of some fortuitous circumstances and tries to become a big-time player as a wrestling promoter.A small-time grifter and nightclub tout takes advantage of some fortuitous circumstances and tries to become a big-time player as a wrestling promoter.A small-time grifter and nightclub tout takes advantage of some fortuitous circumstances and tries to become a big-time player as a wrestling promoter.
- Nikolas of Athens
- (as Ken. Richmond)
- Diner
- (uncredited)
- Young Policeman
- (uncredited)
- Policeman
- (uncredited)
- Bert
- (uncredited)
- Thug
- (uncredited)
- Nightclub Hostess
- (uncredited)
- Hoskins
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaDirector Jules Dassin made the film while in the process of being blacklisted. Fox studio chief Darryl F. Zanuck told him it could possibly be the last film he'd ever direct, so he should shoot the most expensive scenes first so the studio wouldn't be able to blacklist him until it was completed.
- GoofsAs Harry is being chased through the streets of London at night, he runs down a set of stairs, then turns and runs down a lit street. In the foreground, the cameraman and director's shadows are clearly outlined against the street.
- Quotes
Adam Dunne: Harry is an artist without an art.
Mary Bristol: What does that mean?
Adam Dunne: Well, that is something that could make a man very unhappy, Mary, groping for the right level, the means with which to express himself.
Mary Bristol: Yes, he is that. Is not he? I like that, Adam. It is a very nice thought.
Adam Dunne: Yes, but it can be dangerous.
- Alternate versionsThere are two versions of this film: the British release and the International/American release. Some examples are: a differing voice-over speech; some changed dialogue; the opening scene where Harry returns home after 3 days away is a different take and the nightclub scenes are longer in the British version. The scores of the two films are also entirely different and alternate shots are used at the ending in the British version.
- ConnectionsEdited into American Cinema: Film Noir (1995)
- SoundtracksHere's to Champagne
(uncredited)
Written by Noel Gay
Performed by Gene Tierney (voice dubbed by Maudie Edwards)
Good movie, worth a viewing for the acting of underrated Richard Widmark who plays Harry Fabian, an American post-war hustler in London. Fabian had big ideas of half-baked schemes and always was hitting up a friend for a hundred quid here, 300 quid there, to finance his latest get rich quick scheme. In the extras we learn that Gene Tierney was requested for the part of Fabian's girl Mary Bristol, because she was in a bad way after a recent romantic breakup, and according to Dassin "was suicidal." This movie helped bring her back to a good state.
Googie Withers, an actress I had never heard of, is good as Helen Nosseross, married to the rich but disgusting Phil (Francis Sullivan) and just wanting to get a license for her own night spot and a chance to break away from her husband. She is forced to deal with Fabian, a decision that cost her dearly.
Perhaps the most interesting actor is Stanislaus Zbyszko, one time "world's strongest man" from Poland, in 1949 living in New Jersey. Even though he was unexperienced, he gives a super performance as an old retired wrestler Gregorius the Great, who was grooming his son for a wrestling career. Mike Mazurki plays his nemesis, The Strangler.
Although the story gets a bit complex in the various relationships, it simply distills into Fabian seeing an opportunity to contract Gregorius to feature a wrestling match that will allow Fabian, at least in his eyes, to "control" wrestling in London. But his various scams catch up with him and all does not turn out well, as is the case in a film noir.
- TxMike
- Apr 9, 2006
- How long is Night and the City?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Noć i grad
- Filming locations
- Hammersmith Bridge, Hammersmith, London, England, UK(Harry runs across this bridge after leaving Figler's hideout, running to Anna O'Leary's boat shop)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Gross worldwide
- $43,024
- Runtime1 hour 36 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1