Noir Nook: Three starring Richard C
In previous posts here at Noir Nook, I’ve mentioned the classic film zoom meetup group I’ve been attending since spring 2020. One of our last films was 20th Century Fox scream of the city (1948) with Victor Mature and Richard Conte. I’ve seen this movie many times but when I watched it again I was totally convinced how good it is and how underrated!
But that’s not what this month’s column is about.
If you know me at all, you know I’m a big (huge) fan of Richard Conte, in scream of the city, as always, he was not disappointed. Unfortunately, like this film, Conte doesn’t get the accolades it so deserves these days. As a Christmas present from me to you, this month Noir Nook is taking a look at three must-see noirs starring this talented actor – even the character names are awesome!
scream of the city (1948) – Martin Rom
In this feature film, directed by Robert Siodmak, Conte plays a character from a close-knit, loving family who oozes charm and intelligence. Unfortunately, he uses his powers for villainy rather than virtue – when we first meet him he’s facing surgery after killing a cop in a shootout. The film follows Martin’s journey from the prison infirmary and the people he uses in his efforts to escape the country with his angelic lover, Tina (Debra Paget). It’s amazing how many people sacrifice their own safety for Martin – there’s the jailer (Walter Baldwin) who helps him escape, the ex-girlfriend (Shelley Winters) who finds an unlicensed doctor to tend Martin’s wound and the middle-aged nurse (Betty Garde) who takes Tina out of her house and hides her from the police. Martin’s final showdown with his childhood friend and now-nemesis Lt. Vittorio Candella (Victor Mature) is a suspenseful confrontation that will have you on the edge of your seat.
house of strangers (1949) – Max Monetti
in the house of strangersConte is a lawyer, the favorite son of banker Gino Monetti (Edward G. Robinson), who is notable for his questionable methods. When Gino is arrested for violating the banking laws, only Max comes to his defense; His three brothers are only too happy to see him behind bars after years of criticism and ridicule from their father. Betrayed by his eldest brother (Luther Adler) for bribing a jury, Max is jailed for seven years and seeks revenge. In this feature, Conte plays one of his most diverse characters; his Max is simultaneously charismatic, bitter, compassionate, bitter, loyal and unforgiving.
New York confidential (1955) – Nick Magellan
If Max Monetti is one of Conte’s most complicated personalities, then Nick Magellan is one of his most chilling. Nick, a hitman with a heart of steel, is hired by New York labor union boss Charlie Lupo (Broderick Crawford) to root out a renegade member of his organization. Nick soon becomes Lupo’s right-hand man, but he’s beset by Lupo’s worried daughter (Anne Bancroft), his duplicitous mistress (Marilyn Maxwell), and the stress of following the syndicate’s strict rules. Nick isn’t your typical killer; he’s cultured and intelligent and highly competent – and cooler than the other side of the pillow.
If you’ve never seen these Richard Conte Noirs, do yourself a favor and add them to your watchlist. And if you already know them, give yourself a repeat.
You will not regret it.
…
– Karen Burroughs Hannsberry for Classic Movie Hub
You can read all of Karen’s Noir Nook articles here.
Karen Burroughs Hannsberry is the author of the Shadows and Satin blog, which focuses on films and performers from the film noir and pre-Code eras, and is the editor-in-chief of The Dark Sides, a bi-monthly newsletter dedicated to film noir. Karen is also the author of two books on film noir – Femme Noir: The Bad Girls of Film and Bad Boys: The Actors of Film Noir. You can follow Karen on Twitter at @TheDarkPages.
If you are interested in learning more about Karen’s books, you can read more about them on Amazon here:
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