Thieves' Highway

Synopsis (Criterion DVD release): Thieves’ Highway vividly depicts the perilous world of “long-haul boys,” who drive by night to bring their goods to the markets of America’s cities. Richard Conte stars as ex-G.I. Nick Garcos, a tyro trucker bent on satisfaction from the man responsible for crippling his father—ruthless market operator Mike Figlia (Lee J. Cobb). But when Figlia gets wise to his plan, Nick finds himself in a web of treachery and heartbreak. The Criterion Collection is proud to present this searing melodrama from master Jules Dassin.

In Thieves' Highway (1949), Jules Dassin shows the world of produce markets and the truckers who supply them goods. Watching this relentless depiction makes me easy to decide which side deserves my sympathy. If one elementy of a film noir is loss of innocence then this searing melodrama is a noir.

Some parts of the film reminded me of H.G. Clouzot's The Wages of Fear. The Clouzot film was made in the 50's and its storyline was much different from this Dassin film. The Wages of Fear is more of a thriller than a melodrama. I don't know: the Clouzot film had just popped in my mind as I was watching Thieves' Highway.

Overall I like the film. The ending is just too Hollywoodish.

Rating: 3.5/4.0

{03 July 2010}