Rating: 
Summary: Street smart
Review: ''You may not admire these people, but I think they'll fascinate you,'' a young John Huston says in a filmed introduction to this caper film. The director, as usual, was right on target. A lot of the credit goes to his cast. The film is full of terrific performances, including those from Sam Jaffe as the mastermind and Sterling Hayden as his muscleman. Echoes from ''Jungle'' can be heard in the many crime procedurals that followed. The disc looks and sounds OK. A weak commentary from academic Drew Casper, who has trouble staying on topic. Co-star James Whitmore looks back in audio clips that don't add much.
Rating: 
Summary: "That nasty asphalt pavement thing'
Review:
Director: John Huston
Format: Black & White
Studio: Turner Home Video
Video Release Date: February 26, 1992
Cast: Sterling Hayden ... Dix Handley
Louis Calhern ... Alonzo D. Emmerich
Jean Hagen ... Doll Conovan
James Whitmore ... Gus Minissi
Sam Jaffe ... Doc Erwin Riedenschneider
John McIntire ... Police Commissioner Hardy
Marc Lawrence ... 'Cobby' Cobb
Barry Kelley ... Lt. Ditrich
Anthony Caruso ... Louis Ciavelli
Teresa Celli ... Maria Ciavelli
Marilyn Monroe ... Angela Phinlay
William 'Wee Willie' Davis ... Timmons
Dorothy Tree ... May Emmerich
Brad Dexter ... Bob Brannom
John Maxwell ... Dr. Swanson
Ralph Dunn ... Policeman
Gene Evans ... Policeman at Ciavalli's apartment
Pat Flaherty ... Policeman
Alex Gerry ... Maxwell
Sol Gorss ... Policeman
Fred Graham ... Truck driver
William Haade ... Bill (cop)
Don Haggerty ... Det. Andrews
Thomas Browne Henry ... James X. Connery
George Lynn ... Detective at Ciavelli's apartment
Fred Marlow ... Reporter
Strother Martin ... William Doldy (second man in lineup)
Howard M. Mitchell ... Secretary
Alberto Morin ... Eddie Donato (grocer)
Raymond Roe ... Tallboy
Henry Rowland ... Frank Schurz (taxi driver)
Tim Ryan ... Jack (police clerk)
James Seay ... Officer Janocek
Jack Shea ... Policeman
Joseph Darr Smith ... Reporter
Ray Teal ... Policeman
William Washington ... Suspect
Victor Wood ... Evans
Wilson Wood ... Man
Jeff York ... Policeman
Benny Burt ... Taxi driver
Frank Cady ... Night clerk
David Clarke ... Mr. Atkinson (railroad engineer)
John Cliff ... Policeman
Henry Corden ... Karl Anton Smith
Chuck Courtney ... Red (boy in diner)
Eloise Hardt ... Vivian
Patricia Miller ... Girl
Kerry O'Day ... Girl
Helene Stanley ... Jeannie (girl in diner)
Leah Wakefield ... Girl
Constance Weiler ... Woman
Judith Wood ... Woman
Jean Carter ... Woman Dix Handley (Sterling Hayden) plays the lead in this crime drama. An old-time crook, Doc Erwin Riedenschneider (Sam Jaffe) is released from prison with a plan for a big score--a jewelry store, with gems worth at least a half-million dollars. The heist goes off as planned, but an unexpected policeman's gun goes off as Handley disarms him and shoots Louis Ciavelli (Anthony Caruso ), the safe cracker of the gang, in the belly, which is ultimately fatal. Then the money man tries to welsh on the payment for the caper, and his muscle, private detective (Brad Dexter) is shot by Dix, who is shot in turn, but not immerdiately fatally. Police Commissioner Hardy (John McIntire) is wise to a corrupt lieutenant, Lt. Ditrich (Barry Kelley) who is trying to protect his job with phoney crackdowns, and the money man,
Alonzo D. Emmerich (Louis Calhern) and his sidekick, 'Cobby' Cobb (Marc Lawrence) are planning to fence the jewels. But, the best laid plans of mice and men aft gang aglee: everything goes awry, and...that's where the story gets interesting. This was a very well received movie, which turned into a classic in its time. I recommend it to you. Joseph (Joe) Pierre
author of Handguns and Freedom...their care and maintenance
and other books
Rating:
Summary: "That nasty asphalt pavement thing'
Review:
Director: John Huston
Format: Black & White
Studio: Turner Home Video
Video Release Date: February 26, 1992
Cast: Sterling Hayden ... Dix Handley
Louis Calhern ... Alonzo D. Emmerich
Jean Hagen ... Doll Conovan
James Whitmore ... Gus Minissi
Sam Jaffe ... Doc Erwin Riedenschneider
John McIntire ... Police Commissioner Hardy
Marc Lawrence ... 'Cobby' Cobb
Barry Kelley ... Lt. Ditrich
Anthony Caruso ... Louis Ciavelli
Teresa Celli ... Maria Ciavelli
Marilyn Monroe ... Angela Phinlay
William 'Wee Willie' Davis ... Timmons
Dorothy Tree ... May Emmerich
Brad Dexter ... Bob Brannom
John Maxwell ... Dr. Swanson
Ralph Dunn ... Policeman
Gene Evans ... Policeman at Ciavalli's apartment
Pat Flaherty ... Policeman
Alex Gerry ... Maxwell
Sol Gorss ... Policeman
Fred Graham ... Truck driver
William Haade ... Bill (cop)
Don Haggerty ... Det. Andrews
Thomas Browne Henry ... James X. Connery
George Lynn ... Detective at Ciavelli's apartment
Fred Marlow ... Reporter
Strother Martin ... William Doldy (second man in lineup)
Howard M. Mitchell ... Secretary
Alberto Morin ... Eddie Donato (grocer)
Raymond Roe ... Tallboy
Henry Rowland ... Frank Schurz (taxi driver)
Tim Ryan ... Jack (police clerk)
James Seay ... Officer Janocek
Jack Shea ... Policeman
Joseph Darr Smith ... Reporter
Ray Teal ... Policeman
William Washington ... Suspect
Victor Wood ... Evans
Wilson Wood ... Man
Jeff York ... Policeman
Benny Burt ... Taxi driver
Frank Cady ... Night clerk
David Clarke ... Mr. Atkinson (railroad engineer)
John Cliff ... Policeman
Henry Corden ... Karl Anton Smith
Chuck Courtney ... Red (boy in diner)
Eloise Hardt ... Vivian
Patricia Miller ... Girl
Kerry O'Day ... Girl
Helene Stanley ... Jeannie (girl in diner)
Leah Wakefield ... Girl
Constance Weiler ... Woman
Judith Wood ... Woman
Jean Carter ... Woman Dix Handley (Sterling Hayden) plays the lead in this crime drama. An old-time crook, Doc Erwin Riedenschneider (Sam Jaffe) is released from prison with a plan for a big score--a jewelry store, with gems worth at least a half-million dollars. The heist goes off as planned, but an unexpected policeman's gun goes off as Handley disarms him and shoots Louis Ciavelli (Anthony Caruso ), the safe cracker of the gang, in the belly, which is ultimately fatal. Then the money man tries to welsh on the payment for the caper, and his muscle, private detective (Brad Dexter) is shot by Dix, who is shot in turn, but not immerdiately fatally. Police Commissioner Hardy (John McIntire) is wise to a corrupt lieutenant, Lt. Ditrich (Barry Kelley) who is trying to protect his job with phoney crackdowns, and the money man,
Alonzo D. Emmerich (Louis Calhern) and his sidekick, 'Cobby' Cobb (Marc Lawrence) are planning to fence the jewels. But, the best laid plans of mice and men aft gang aglee: everything goes awry, and...that's where the story gets interesting. This was a very well received movie, which turned into a classic in its time. I recommend it to you. Joseph (Joe) Pierre
author of Handguns and Freedom...their care and maintenance
and other books
Rating:
Summary: Noir Indeed !
Review: Actually, I'll give "The Asphalt Jungle" four and a half stars, as it stands as one of the great "films noir", and another triumph for director, John Huston. This is a gritty, realistic portrait of the big city's dark "underbelly", circa 1950, and some of the shady characters who are trying to survive in this tough environment.
Most of the people we meet in "Jungle" are crooks, with different skills--there is even the obligatory "cop on the take". A brainy crook named "Doc" ( Sam Jaffe, excellent as usual ) has just been released from jail, where he has clearly not been rehabilitated ! He has planned a big jewellery heist. Of course, he needs help to pull it off. With the assistance of the local bookie, "Cobby" ( sweaty, nervous Marc Lawrence ), he recruits an expert safe-cracker, "Louis" ( desperate Anthony Caruso ), a getaway driver, "Gus" ( cool-under-fire James Whitmore ) and, for muscle, a bitter, tough-as-nails hood, "Dix" (an unshaven Sterling Hayden, never better ). To bankroll the whole operation, our gang brings in a sleazy lawyer named Emmerich, played with smarmy elitism by Louis Calhern.
Of course, you know what can happen to "the best laid plans". Unforeseen problems, accidents and the personal faults of the individuals involved cause Doc's "perfect plan" to go off the rails. There is much more to the plot, not to mention some interesting sub-plots, but I don't like to spoil movies for first-time viewers, so I will not reveal more of the story-line.
I would like to mention a few other performances though that further contribute to a fine film. Jean Hagen plays "Doll", Dix's long-suffering girlfriend, a very different role to her ditzy, petulant "star" in "Singin' in the Rain"--what a versatile actress ! John McIntire registers strongly as the Police Commissioner, a job obviously not for "nice guys" ! Brad Dexter has a few memorable scenes as a private eye.
Finally, Emmerich's mistress, "Angela", is played by a young actress just starting her career in movies--Marilyn Monroe. Her acting here may not be on a par with the other actors, but her glamour and charisma still leap off the screen.
The DVD exhibits a reasonable black and white picture, with some occasional wear--sound of course is mono. Extras include a trailer, a brief introduction by John Huston, optional comments by film scholar, Drew Casper, and even a few reminiscences by cast-member, James Whitmore ( his comments on Marilyn are interesting ).
Bottom line--if you like classic, hard-boiled film noir, "The Asphalt Jungle" rates with the best. You are in for 112 minutes of gripping entertainment. Recommended.
Rating:
Summary: THE CITY UNDER THE CITY....
Review: German-born Doc (Sam Jaffe) assembles a team of expert criminals for a big jewel heist in John Huston's "Asphalt Jungle". The planning of the robbery and the actual crime itself make up the first part of this excellent film. The remainder of the film details the fall-out after the crime. Sterling Hayden is Dix, a country boy tired of being covered in big city dirt; James Whitmore is a cafe owner whose dive is a front for criminal activity; Anthony Caruso as a safecracker with a family: Marc Lawrence as a bookie with his own racket going---all these actors are superb as the gang. Then there's Louis Calhern as Lon, a wealthy businessman whose blown all his money on his mistress Angela (Marilyn Monroe) and wants to pull a scam of his own to "get out from under", and there's Doll (Jean Hagen), a clip-joint girl who loves Dix. Just an incredible cast makes this film worth watching and Huston's taut direction keep it exciting all the way to the end. Surprisingly adult for the time in it's frank depictions of the characters foibles and weaknesses---particularly Jaffe's (Doc) eye for young girls. Monroe has two extended and very telling scenes with Calhern and Hagen is wonderful as the uneducated hard luck Doll. Highly recommended all the way for lovers of tough, juicy noir crime films. The DVD is a good print that includes commentaries (including Whitmore) and an archival introduction by Huston. A truly compelling viewing experience.
Rating:
Summary: Huston Highlight
Review: My own favorite John Huston film; superior in its way to his other great projects like "The Maltese Falcon" and "Treasure of the Sierra Madre." Sterling Hayden is ostensibly the star but in fact the film is dominated by Sam Jaffe, the only time, to my knowledge, this remarkable actor was given a role of this magnitude, and he ran a mile with it. As the oversexed immigrant criminal mastermind he pulls an assortment of hoodlums large and small into his orbit with the promise of a big score. The supreme irony comes when he is double-crossed by putting too much faith in the word of one of his conspirators. Huston was such a wonderful director because he never let technical showboating get in the way of the story, and he was rewarded here by well-nigh perfect performances from everyone in the cast. Adapted from another novel by W. R. Burnett, also author of "High Sierra", and a man whose fiction and scriptwriting made Hollywood a fortune over more than two decades.
Rating:
Summary: Huston Highlight
Review: The Asphalt Jungle is an excellent film noir classic directed by John Huston. The story follows the preparation of a jewel heist, the robbery, and then the following chase for the crooks. During the robbery, something goes wrong causing the police to come down hard on the robbers. This is a classic movie that shows a darker side of society and the people in it. These people aren't just cartoon characters, but human beings with emotions and reasons for the way they live. In the movie, we see the motivation for several of the characters and why they are involved in the robbery. The cast for the movie is very good with several big stars. Sterling Hayden is suprisingly good as Dix Handley, the enforcer on the heist. His performance is very good since it is different from his usual cardboard personality in movies. Louis Calhern plays Ennrich, the fence for the heist and the man who has alterior motives. James Whitmore is excellent as Gus, the driver with the crooked back. Sam Jaffe is also very good as Doc, the orchestrator of the plan who is recently out of jail. The film also stars Marilyn Monroe in an early role, Marc Lawrence, Anthony Caruso, Jean Hagen, and in a particularly slimy role, Brad Dexter. This is an excellent film that doesn't shy away from showing things like they are. A great story with flawed characters help to make this a true classic. Do not miss the Asphalt Jungle!
Rating:
Summary: Classic film noir
Review: The Asphalt Jungle is an excellent film noir classic directed by John Huston. The story follows the preparation of a jewel heist, the robbery, and then the following chase for the crooks. During the robbery, something goes wrong causing the police to come down hard on the robbers. This is a classic movie that shows a darker side of society and the people in it. These people aren't just cartoon characters, but human beings with emotions and reasons for the way they live. In the movie, we see the motivation for several of the characters and why they are involved in the robbery. The cast for the movie is very good with several big stars. Sterling Hayden is suprisingly good as Dix Handley, the enforcer on the heist. His performance is very good since it is different from his usual cardboard personality in movies. Louis Calhern plays Ennrich, the fence for the heist and the man who has alterior motives. James Whitmore is excellent as Gus, the driver with the crooked back. Sam Jaffe is also very good as Doc, the orchestrator of the plan who is recently out of jail. The film also stars Marilyn Monroe in an early role, Marc Lawrence, Anthony Caruso, Jean Hagen, and in a particularly slimy role, Brad Dexter. This is an excellent film that doesn't shy away from showing things like they are. A great story with flawed characters help to make this a true classic. Do not miss the Asphalt Jungle!
Rating:
Summary: THE LAW OF THIS JUNGLE IS DEADLY
Review: The disquieting urban landscape and deeply disturbed motley crew of spurious characters that populate "The Asphalt Jungle" make the film one of the essential destinations for fans of film noir. The films artfully gritty atmosphere is perhaps its best selling feature, though, truth be told, there is nothing about the production that is second rate. Basically, it's a jewel heist caper gone horribly wrong but carried off with such panache and attention to detail by director, John Huston that one has to admire both the economy of plot and depth of characters fleshed out within the context of two hours. Huston's great knack for extolling unusual and breakthrough performances from his ensemble is working overtime on this occasion. While we might be used to seeing Sam Jaffe as a nefarious rogue (here, he's Doc, the criminal mastermind with a weakness for hoop earrings and tight skirts), the extraordinary off kilter performance of Louis Calhern - as middle aged fencer, Ennrich/sugar daddy to Marilyn Monroe, is so menacing in its undertone, that one wishes the actor had been given the opportunity to play more such parts. There is nothing cartoonish or cliché about any of the characters in the film. Sterling Hayden's particularly powerful as Dix Handley, the tense enforcer of the group. This is a story about out of control people losing control of their lives. Huston captures the immediacy of these tragic lives and the overwhelming sense of doom. As one might expect, it ends badly for all concerned though, within the context of this review I won't say exactly how.
The transfer on "The Asphalt Jungle" is better than average, though it's not perfect. The gray scale has a richly balanced look with deep solid blacks and clean whites. On occasion grain looks heavier than it should and contrast levels seem a tad low. Still, this DVD is considerable improvement over previously issued VHS tapes. Age related artifacts are present but do not terribly distract. The audio is mono but nicely balanced. The more intent listener will notice some hiss but nothing that will distract. Drew Casper provides the audio commentary here. There are a few inserts of audio from James Whitmore that will most surely enhance your appreciation for this film. All in all, another good disc to add to your library of classic film noir.
Rating:
Summary: A timeless film noir !
Review: The european narrative of John Huston previews somehow the famous Rififi which two years before that film would be made . In this case Huston focuses his attention around four men without destiny ; each one with his personal dragons , fears and troubles .
Emmerich , the handsome and master brain of the great robe is a double life husband ; good manners, refinement but he is broken and needs this robe to pay his debts and keep his missed status . Her lover is Marilyn Monroe .
In the other hand we have to Sterling Hyde a man without any illusion in th life but to gamble in the horse races.
The third of this quartet is the meticulous pioneer of the idea . He will make all the theoric plan and will hire the required personal.
And finally we have the nasty and weak double face thief : he is accustomend to pay some members of the police and he regents a house of games .
This quartet will experience a real twist of fate and the human factor will lead them to hell .
The notable and descriptive description of every single character will be closing the circle till the end .
You may argue a certain romantic touch
If the end would have been opened maybe the sum would have been a full circle , but anyway the depiction of the fall of all these four man and his respective social circles sustains the interest of the viewer to the end .
Good film but not a masterpiece !
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