directed by Fritz Lang
It is one of the better noir films in both its looks and the oft subversive actions of its characters.
Although the film is set during a time in what later generations view as either a wonderful highpoint or ugly nadir of male supremacy in which women stayed in the kitchen and men made all the decisions, the male "hero" in this movie is shown to be compliantly washing dishes, doing other household chores, and routinely apologizing to his wife, should he offend her.
The man may be bringing home the money but if he rules the roost, it's only because that's how his wife wants it. It's pretty clear who makes most of the final decisions at the home and it's not the man. The hero views his role as provider and protector, not necessarily as boss.
Although the hero does a lot of running around and upsetting the applecart because he's set on justifiable revenge, it's actually the women who take actions which drive the story and make things happen. It's also, for good or bad, the women who often pay the price. In fact this is so pronounced that one could make an argument that the hero is something of an unwitting "femme fatale" ( homme fatale?) himself.
Today's viewer may think that the single minded Dudley DoRight hero could had still reached his goals and gotten less people hurt if he had been more flexible in his approach and his morals. Even so the film is not as cynical as some other film noirs out there. You could watch this as a straight crime drama and enjoy it solely on that level.
The film opens with a man shooting himself after writing a note to the district attorney. We later learn that this man was a ranking police officer. However his wife Bertha Duncan (Jeannette Nolan) takes the note and places in her bank safety deposit box. She also makes a phone call before contacting the police.
Straight arrow homicide detective Sergeant Dave Bannion (Glenn Ford) is assigned the case. It should be open and shut. Cops lead stressful lives. Bertha says that her husband was depressed and sick. These things happen. Nothing to see here. C'est la vie. Move along please. Dave is just happy to do that.
Dave is not as far along in the department as he should be at his age because of his habit of stepping on toes and ignoring political niceties, something that irritates his immediate supervisor, Lieutenant Ted Wilks (Willis Bouchey). But win, lose, or draw, for better or for worse, Katie is in her husband's corner, come what may. She appreciates Dave's integrity even if she doesn't appreciate the toilet seat being left up or clothes not put away. Dave and Katie love each other very much. But there are complications.
A B-girl/lady of the night named Lucy Chapman (Dorothy Green) tells Dave that she was the late Mr. Duncan's mistress. She's adamant that her late lover was not in bad health. Lucy says that something is not right with Bertha's story. Dave is contemptuous of Lucy's tale and skeptical of her motives because of Lucy's lifestyle. Dave is a judgmental fellow.
Nevertheless, Dave decides to pay Bertha a follow up visit based on a few inconsistencies raised by Lucy's allegations. Bertha is NOT happy to see Dave again. The grieving widow whom Dave initially saw has been replaced by a cold calculating woman who wields her sarcastic politeness and outrage as both weapon and shield.
Dave's police superiors warn him away from investigating Lucy's murder and from contacting Bertha again. Period. This is coming from the very top of the department. It's an order, not a request or suggestion. But telling Dave not to do something usually has the opposite impact. When an anonymous phone caller insults Katie and threatens Dave to get him to stop asking questions, Dave goes to lean on the city Mob boss Mike Lagana (Alexander Scourby). Dave knows that Lagana has his fingers in every dirty deal in the city. Dave's hunch is that this time is no different.
Along the way Dave also has reason to flex muscles against Lagana's top enforcer and partner Vince Stone (Lee Marvin in a role that's compelling, convincing, and cold). Marvin's stentorian voice, lanky physique, natty style, coiled energy, and casual cruelty almost steal the entire movie.
But sometimes kicking the hornet's nest isn't the best idea. A tragedy strikes Dave close to home. Dave is kicked off the force. But as in most films of these type, a man with nothing left to lose is the game's most dangerous player. Vince Stone's girlfriend is one Debbie Marsh (Gloria Grahame).
It's just a question as to how much Debbie is willing to pay. Debbie may seem ditzy but it's all an act. Debbie has seen what happens to people, especially women, who know too much. The Mob doesn't like loose ends. Debbie's a bad girl but in a different life she might have been Dave's wife. Debbie's impressed with how Dave handles himself. Debbie wonders if she can hit it off with Dave and more importantly if he can protect her.
The Big Heat has one of the most famous scenes of brutality in cinema though it's all off-camera. This was a pretty good examination of how institutional corruption, personal cruelty and stubborn self-righteousness can mess up people's lives. The Big Heat is not subtle in some of its imagery. Debbie is almost always attired in slinky white dresses or fur coats.
