Rating: 
Summary: Ripped from today's headlines!
Review:
Pickpocket, b-girl and pinko nabbed in bizarre love triangle
According to the Inspector, they "wasn't good and they wasn't smart." After the cannon grifted the dame on the train, he was hot. The law wanted to pinch the booster on a fourth offence and send him up for good. The muffin wanted to make happy her pinko boychik, who was just in it for the glory of Uncle Joe. The stool pigeon wanted to make enough bingo to keep out of Potter's Field.
Okay, enough of that silliness. Listening to filmster Samuel Fuller on the extras on PICKUP ON SOUTH STREET makes you want to speak in slang and punch in some yellow journalism touches (Fuller started out working for a yellow rag, one of the text specials tells us.) This is the second Fuller film I've seen and the first one I could tolerate. The characters here - Richard Widmark's pickpocket, Jean Peter's b-girl, Richard Kiley, Thelma Ritter, are all living on the edge of society and emotions.
PICKUP is one of those convergence-of-the-stars movies where just about everything works at a high level. Widmark and Ritter are brilliant and the rest of the cast is excellent. The plot is smart and uncluttered and Fuller's direction is driving and emotional. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: "You know people who know people."
Review: "Pick Up On South Street" is yet another great film from cult director, Sam Fuller. Pickpocket Skip McCoy (Richard Widmark), a three-time loser, is on probation for only a week when he picks the wallet from a woman's handbag on the subway. He thinks he's lifting money, but he actually steals microfilm--copies of classified government documents containing a patent for a chemical formula. The woman, hard and mouthy, Candy (Jean Peters) is unaware of the true nature of the envelope she is about to pass to a communist agent. She thinks she's just doing her old boyfriend, Joey, a favour. Soon Candy's ex, the police, and communist agents are all looking for Skip. Everyone--sooner or later--contacts the best snitch in town, Moe (Thelma Ritter). Moe's dread of being buried in Potter's field when she longs for a fancy plot in Long Island ensures that she'll sell information--after all, "every extra buck has a meaning of its own." Moe may have her price, but she doesn't do business with 'commies.' The film emphasizes the idea that thievery is one thing, but treason is a different matter. In the film, the criminal characters (Skip, Moe, and Lightning Louie) all live on the fringes of society in out-of-the-way dives and hovels. Their survival is based on not being too picky about how they make ends meet, so they have a certain tolerant co-existence with each other. This film works so well due to the fine characterizations. There's Skip--he's not fussy who buys the film--and the whole patriotism argument just doesn't matter as far as he's concerned. The police detective in charge of the case isn't exactly an old friend, and so Skip's not about to hand over the stolen film. This is my personal favourite of all Sam Fuller's films. On the surface, it may seem that Fuller is paying court to the fear of Communism with this film's plot. But protagonist Skip McCoy isn't part of the society he's suddenly supposed to respect and protect. He's on the outside looking in, and his "what's in it for me attitude" leads him to make some tough choices. He's not a patriot--he's a survivor. Candy is as hard as nails--she's hardly naive or innocent, but even she's shocked to find herself mixed up with Communists. Thelma Ritter in an Oscar nominated role for best supporting actress is amazing. Her scenes are incredible. I love the scene when Moe questions the police detectives about Skip's technique. Also the amazingly violent subway chase was brilliantly executed. This Criterion DVD contains many extras that make the extra expense worthwhile for the film aficionado. There's an interview with Sam Fuller and trailers for his films (some of them are now sadly out-of-print). For the Sam Fuller fan, this Criterion DVD package is both fascinating and essential--displacedhuman
Rating:
Summary: "You know people who know people."
Review: "Pick Up On South Street" is yet another great film from cult director, Sam Fuller. Pickpocket Skip McCoy (Richard Widmark), a three-time loser, is on probation for only a week when he picks the wallet from a woman's handbag on the subway. He thinks he's lifting money, but he actually steals microfilm--copies of classified government documents containing a patent for a chemical formula. The woman, hard and mouthy, Candy (Jean Peters) is unaware of the true nature of the envelope she is about to pass to a communist agent. She thinks she's just doing her old boyfriend, Joey, a favour. Soon Candy's ex, the police, and communist agents are all looking for Skip. Everyone--sooner or later--contacts the best snitch in town, Moe (Thelma Ritter). Moe's dread of being buried in Potter's field when she longs for a fancy plot in Long Island ensures that she'll sell information--after all, "every extra buck has a meaning of its own." Moe may have her price, but she doesn't do business with 'commies.' The film emphasizes the idea that thievery is one thing, but treason is a different matter. In the film, the criminal characters (Skip, Moe, and Lightning Louie) all live on the fringes of society in out-of-the-way dives and hovels. Their survival is based on not being too picky about how they make ends meet, so they have a certain tolerant co-existence with each other. This film works so well due to the fine characterizations. There's Skip--he's not fussy who buys the film--and the whole patriotism argument just doesn't matter as far as he's concerned. The police detective in charge of the case isn't exactly an old friend, and so Skip's not about to hand over the stolen film. This is my personal favourite of all Sam Fuller's films. On the surface, it may seem that Fuller is paying court to the fear of Communism with this film's plot. But protagonist Skip McCoy isn't part of the society he's suddenly supposed to respect and protect. He's on the outside looking in, and his "what's in it for me attitude" leads him to make some tough choices. He's not a patriot--he's a survivor. Candy is as hard as nails--she's hardly naive or innocent, but even she's shocked to find herself mixed up with Communists. Thelma Ritter in an Oscar nominated role for best supporting actress is amazing. Her scenes are incredible. I love the scene when Moe questions the police detectives about Skip's technique. Also the amazingly violent subway chase was brilliantly executed. This Criterion DVD contains many extras that make the extra expense worthwhile for the film aficionado. There's an interview with Sam Fuller and trailers for his films (some of them are now sadly out-of-print). For the Sam Fuller fan, this Criterion DVD package is both fascinating and essential--displacedhuman
Rating:
Summary: A FILM WITH A HARD EDGE.
Review: A rough and brutal melodrama set against the backdrop of New York's seedy underworld which delves into the secret workings of federal agents and Communist spies. Widmark plays the petty crook, the proverbial three-time loser, whose actions are motivated solely by greed. When he lifts a wallet from the purse of Jean Peters, he gets himself into deeper trouble than he could ever imagine...A truly provocative film, PICKUP ON SOUTH STREET was originally a simple story about drug pushers. Originally cast in the Peters role was Betty Grable(!). Shelley Winters was also considered (a much better choice). This film is quite complex with some intricate depth: miles beyond a mere anti-Communism film - this was filmed during the infamous McCarthy era - it unfortunately is viewed as such by many. Thelma Ritter steals the show as the seedy but much-loved Moe. The viewer is captivated by her natural acting technique: when she dies by Kiley's wicked hand while listening to the phonograph, the viewer is spellbound. Ritter won an Oscar nomination for her outstanding work.
Rating:
Summary: Stunning
Review: A stunning work of art. This movie has many twists and turns. A great film noir masterpiece that will hold the interest of people who only enjoy color movies and "new" releases movies. Richard Widmark is great. There are noticeable time differences here but only because it was made in 1953. Great filming. Great story.
Rating:
Summary: "Are you waving a flag at me?"
Review: After watching Sam Fuller's 1964 classic "The Naked Kiss," I cast my eyes in the direction of another of his memorable films. No, it wasn't "Shock Corridor," although I plan on watching that one in the next few months. I decided to go with his 1953 picture "Pickup on South Street" for a number of reasons. One, Fuller cast Richard Widmark in the lead role. I'm familiar with this actor thanks to many of his later films, Irwin Allen's schlock masterpiece "The Swarm" among them, and I wanted to see what he could do in the earlier phases of his career. Two, I liked the idea of watching a film dealing with communism in the United States during the 1950s. With the Red Scare and McCarthyism in full bloom, I wanted to see how Fuller would fashion a film describing the government's methods for tracking down the reds. Three, and finally, an online friend who initially turned me on to Fuller had nothing but great praise for "Pickup on South Street." Her extensive knowledge of foreign films, coupled with as good an eye for older American films, left me feeling confident that this Fuller movie would be an entertaining experience.
"Pickup on South Street" begins with an irresistible hook that draws the viewer into the film. A pickpocket on a train in New York City lifts the contents of an attractive woman's purse while a couple of tough looking men pay close attention to what is going on. Why are these two men so interested in what the criminal is doing? Are they citizens? Police officers? Or are they far more sinister figures? Right from the start Fuller has us asking questions that we hope will find resolution later on. Skip McCoy (Richard Widmark), the criminal committing the crime, just walked out of prison after serving a few years for picking pockets. His latest crime is about to plunge him into a situation that could well result in a much, much longer sentence. The woman he robbed, Candy (Jean Peters), is actually a messenger for a guy named Joey (Richard Kiley). She carries items that he wants transported to various individuals around town, but she pays more attention to the money he gives her than the item in question. Bad mistake. It turns out that Joey is a communist stooge and spy for the Soviet Union. Candy carried in her purse a piece of microfilm containing important American secrets, and Skip walked right into the middle of the ongoing investigation to break up the spy cell. Now he's in the middle of the feds, the police, and the communists, all of whom want that microfilm.
The guys on the train don't know the name of the pickpocket, so they go to the local police station hoping the criminal has a record. The cops bring in Moe (Thelma Ritter), a stool pigeon of some renown in the city, to help identify and track down the perpetrator. After a hilarious scene in which Moe negotiates a price for her assistance, she helps the authorities identify and track down Skip. He lives on the river in a decrepit little shack, keeps his beer cold by dunking it in the water at the end of a rope, and has no interest whatsoever in helping the authorities. Why should he? These are the same guys who sent him to the stir, and he'll go back there for some serious time if he admits he lifted Candy's purse. Appeals to McCoy on a patriotic level fail spectacularly; he's the sort of guy whose loyalty revolves around money and his few friends. Meanwhile, Joey is going ballistic. He's facing arrest by the government on one side and the decidedly unfriendly communists on the other. He sends Candy out to track down Skip and retrieve the microfilm, which backfires when the two strike up a grudging respect for one another. As Joey's desperation ratchets up, it soon becomes obvious he will resort to anything, including murder, to reclaim the microfilm.
There is no reason to spoil the conclusion except to say it isn't a surprise considering the climate of the country in the early 1950s. It's how Fuller gets us there that works wonders. Not a single character in this film is anything less than totally believable, surely a credit to the standout actors involved in the production. Widmark is a joy to watch as he smirks and wisecracks his way through an extremely dangerous situation. Kiley's sweaty mug and single-minded ruthlessness more than adequately portray a man desperately trying to avoid doom. As for Jean Peters, she plays clueless eye candy as good as any other actress around. But it's Thelma Ritter who steals every scene she's in as the indomitable Moe. She's an elderly woman nearing the end of her days who wants nothing more than to save up enough money to buy a plot in a high-class cemetery. Moe is also an extraordinarily colorful and humorous character, selling cheap ties whenever she isn't ratting to the cops. Despite her complicity with the police, no one hates her. Even Skip responds with "Moe's gotta eat too" after being told the woman ratted him out. Her fate marks the highpoint of "Pickup on South Street."
Criterion's DVD version of the film contains all the extras left off "The Naked Kiss" disc. Tons of Fuller film trailers, interviews with the man himself, stills and posters, and recollections from Widmark provide information about the movie. While I don't buy Fuller's thesis that criminals are as honorable as the movie portrays them--call it the "Godfather syndrome"--the performances and the wonderfully snappy dialogue make up for this naïve view of the underworld. If you feel like taking a foray into the black and white world of older cinema, "Pickup on South Street" is an excellent start.
Rating:
Summary: top-level film noir
Review: Better than most film noir entries, Samuel Fuller's PICKUP ON SOUTH STREET explores the life of a pickpocket who gets in over his head. Skip McCoy picks a pocket on the subway, and gets classified government documents for his troubles. The police convince a woman to help them find Skip and the microfilm, and heavy drama ensues. Thelma Ritter is especially good as the informant. Today her acting would be considered over-the-top and unconvincing, but for the time, it was a standout performance. Widmark is excellent as the pickpocket, with his portrayal only rivalled by his work in KISS OF DEATH (also a must-see film noir). As a landmark film for Widmark and Ritter, as well as for director Samuel Fuller, PICKUP ON SOUTH STREET is a must-see for fans of 1940s cinema and film noir. ken32
Rating: 
Summary: excellent drama on the waterfront
Review: Excellent old time detective thriller. You never have a doubt as to what's going to happen, but getting to go along for the ride, makes it worth all the while. Just the right bit of humour too...well worth adding to any collection.
Rating:
Summary: A 1950's classic
Review: For those who appreciate the fine acting of Thelma Ritter, this film is a must-have (along with Alfred Hitchcock's "Rear Window"). Her portrayal as the informant is a classic role for one of the best supporting actresses Hollywood has ever seen. Richard Widmark also lends one of the greatest performances of his career, right up there with his roles in "Kiss of Death" (1947) and "Judgement at Nuremburg" (1961). The Criterion release provides a magnificent restoration of this underrated film noir gem. I am rather baffled as to the clueless wonder at Amazon.com who tagged this motion picture with an NC-17 rating. Either that person didn't see the film, or the lights are on but nobody's home. "Pickup on South Street" isn't a skin flick. It is one of the greatest dramatic thrillers of the 1950's. Get this DVD on Criterion. It's an essential classic for any serious film collector.
Rating: 
Summary: missed opportunity
Review: For those who appreciate the fine acting of Thelma Ritter, this film is a must-have (along with Alfred Hitchcock's "Rear Window"). Her portrayal as the informant is a classic role for one of the best supporting actresses Hollywood has ever seen. Richard Widmark also lends one of the greatest performances of his career, right up there with his roles in "Kiss of Death" (1947) and "Judgement at Nuremburg" (1961). The Criterion release provides a magnificent restoration of this underrated film noir gem. I am rather baffled as to the clueless wonder at Amazon.com who tagged this motion picture with an NC-17 rating. Either that person didn't see the film, or the lights are on but nobody's home. "Pickup on South Street" isn't a skin flick. It is one of the greatest dramatic thrillers of the 1950's. Get this DVD on Criterion. It's an essential classic for any serious film collector.
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