Noir in London: Wrestling with Fate in Night and the City
Jules Dassin’s 1950 film noir Night and the City follows small-time hustler Harry Fabian (Richard Widmark) through the seedy underbelly of post-war London. Forced to relocate to Britain due to Hollywood blacklisting, Dassin crafted this tale of desperate ambition and inevitable doom. The film features Gene Tierney as Mary, Harry’s long-suffering girlfriend, and Herbert Lom as the ruthless wrestling promoter Kristo. Join us—Pete Wright and Andy Nelson—as we continue the Film Noir series with a conversation about Night and the City.
Wrestling with Ambition
Pete and Andy explore how Harry’s ill-fated venture into wrestling promotion exemplifies his pattern of backing the wrong horse. They discuss the fascinating contrast between classical Greco-Roman wrestling, championed by Gregorius the Great, and the more theatrical style that would eventually dominate the sport. Andy sees potential success in Harry’s plan, while Pete views it as yet another doomed venture.
American Exodus in London
The hosts debate the unusual concentration of American characters in London, with Andy questioning the credibility of so many expatriates clustering together. They examine how this aspect might reflect both the film’s production circumstances and broader themes of displacement and alienation.
Key Discussion Points:
- The dual versions: American vs. British cuts and their differing endings
- Helen’s complex role as a noir femme fatale and her tragic arc
- The film’s relentless bleakness and inevitability of Harry’s doom
- The authenticity of the wrestling scenes and their symbolic significance
- Phil’s surprising depth as a character and his tragic end
Character and Consequence
Pete and Andy delve into Mary’s role as the moral center of the film, contrasting her pure intentions with Helen’s calculating nature. They examine how every character, from the beggar king to the passport forger, operates within a system that values money above community. Both hosts praise Dassin’s direction and Widmark’s compelling performance as Harry, a man whose ambition proves terminal.
We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel—when the movie ends, our conversation begins!
🎬 Watch & Discover
- 🎥 See Our Full Conversation on YouTube
- 🍿 Watch the Film: Amazon | Letterboxd
- 📽️ Original Theatrical Trailer
- 📚 Adapted from Night and the City by Gerald Kersh
