Movie has all of the elements of a top notch thriller, but some plot gaps and stereotyping draw the film backwards. Maybe life was cheaper in the 1950's, but killing is amplified in this movie , point blank. Garfield is a standout, along with Patricia Neal. William Campbell as "Concho", plays the part of the henchmen pretty good, and ends up with the fishes. Could have been better film, but does hold the viewers interest.
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A very good, suspenseful, well directed and well written movie. John Garfield gives another very convincing performance, what a great actor he was.
Not lost to me, either; THE BREAKING POINT is within my collection in two formats.
I had never heard of this film until about 15 years ago, when I found a book about director Michael Curtiz (crudely titled The Casablanca Man). Even before the author's chronological discussion of THE BREAKING POINT, he called this film "possibly Curtiz' masterpiece." I thought: "What? A Curtiz expert ranking something else above THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD or CASABLANCA? I'm curious!" In fact I ended up deliberately skipping over BREAKING POINT in the book, so I might view it fresh if I ever got to see it at all.
I was rewarded almost 10 years later, when historian Eddie Muller programmed the title for two screenings in 35mm within an annual Film Noir Festival in Chicago. (I showed up for the first, to make sure of my chance.) Muller provided one of the absolute best introductions to a film -- admirably avoiding "spoilers" -- that I've ever heard. The picture itself was so stunning (and the print, as well) that a few days later I returned for the other screening! (Knowing there still was no guarantee I'd ever see it on a screen again.)
I've never seen anywhere close to Curtiz' gigantic body of work, but there now are five of his so far which I either love or revere: ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD, THE SEA HAWK, CASABLANCA, PASSAGE TO MARSEILLE, and THE BREAKING POINT.
Most great films deserve a more appreciative audience than they get.
I'm a great admirer of Michael Curtiz--I didn't know about the book, and put it on my must-read list. Wonder if you liked it. I'm finally going to see The Breaking Point; looking forward to it!
shareIt's aged well enough in my book. Definitely one of John Garfield's better movies. Patricia Neal was so hot in this.
shareIt's not lost at all. TCM shows it periodically, and it's available on DVD.
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