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August 11, 2008

Pickup on South Street

Don't miss Sam Fuller's great Pickup on South Street, (1953) broadcast this evening on Turner Classic Movies. It's a beautifully crafted hard-boiled drama, and Fuller is at the top of his form in this tale of an amoral pickpocket, Richard Widmark, mixed up in international Communist espionage.

Jean Peters does a great turn as B-girl—that's code for prostitute—who has the misfortune to get involved with Widmark. Sam Fuller chose Peters for the role over Marilyn Monroe. He felt that Marilyn was child-like, too innocent, whereas Peters had the right combination smoldering sensuality and hardened gutter appeal. At the time Peters was making this movie she was Howard Hughes' mistress. He would pick her up from the studio every day, right after shooting, making sure that she spent no time with anyone else. They were married in 1957, and Peters, a fine talent retired from the screen. Hughes quickly turned into a recluse and the marriage failed.

The jewel in this film is Thelma Ritter, an "honest criminal" who has a scene—no spoilers here—that has haunted me since I first saw this film back in the sixties. Ritter was nominated for an Oscar for this heart breaking performance.

Check local times.

Richard Widmark about to pick Jean Peter's pocketbook.

Posted by Robert J. Avrech at August 11, 2008 03:16 PM

Comments

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Posted by: Jake at August 12, 2008 08:51 AM

Posted by: Robert J. Avrech at August 13, 2008 08:28 AM

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