The Killers

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The Killers

Released Aug 28, 1946

1h 45m

Crime

Drama

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100%

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36 Reviews

89%

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2,500+ Ratings

Two hit men walk into a diner asking for a man called "the Swede" (Burt Lancaster). When the killers find the Swede, he's expecting them and doesn't put up a fight. Since the Swede had a life insurance policy, an investigator (Edmond O'Brien), on a hunch, decides to look into the murder. As the Swede's past is laid bare, it comes to light that he was in love with a beautiful woman (Ava Gardner) who may have lured him into pulling off a bank robbery overseen by another man (Albert Dekker).

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Wendy Ide

Times (UK)

It's [got] a blistering opening sequence.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 4, 2014

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Empire Magazine

Rated: 4/5

Apr 28, 2008

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Variety Staff

Variety

Taken from Ernest Hemingway's story of the same title, picture is a hard-hitting example of forthright melodrama in the best Hemingway style. Performances without exception are top quality.

Apr 8, 2008

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Tony Sloman

Radio Times

This is one of the most powerful and influential thrillers ever made, with director Robert Siodmak's lovingly bleak and pessimistic tone virtually defining the term film noir.

Rated: 5/5

Aug 8, 2024

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Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

[T]he web of deceit and double crosses of the story and expertly-constructed screenplay by Anthony Veiller works thanks to the atmosphere of doom and duplicity created by Siodmak and his crew, and to the defining presence of Lancaster and Gardner.

Mar 4, 2023

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Eric Melin

Scene-Stealers.com

The movie darts around in time, constantly surprising and adding more depth to the character of The Swede. It's a psychological exploration of a man who was so worn down by life that he merely gave up.

Rated: 3.5/4

Oct 7, 2015

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Irene M

Based on a (Very) short story by Ernest Hemingway, this script and movie has survived the 'test of time'. Its so well done, I'm surprised I've never heard of it before. Its quite complicated and requires your attention!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/24/24

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Audience Member

Five Stars 'cuz Ava is SMOKIN' Hot!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/17/24

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Steve D

Fine but lacking any surprises.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/29/24

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harwee h

Entertaining and well directed, Burt Lancaster always stunning. But in the end you don't care about the characters.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

03/10/24

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Alec B

Think of it as a mash up of "Citizen Kane" and "Double Indemnity". Maybe the ending isn't totally effective but it has one hell of a compelling opening and much of the middle section shades the characters in interesting ways.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/21/24

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nick s

A quality mystery noir, with good acting performances. There's enough suspense & intrigue to ensure it never gets dull.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

12/08/23

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Robert Siodmak

Director

Burt Lancaster

Ole "The Swede" Andersen

Ava Gardner

Kitty Collins

Edmond O'Brien

Jim Reardon (investigator)

Albert Dekker

Big Jim Colfax

Sam Levene

Lt. Sam Lubinsky

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Synopsis

Two hit men walk into a diner asking for a man called "the Swede" (Burt Lancaster). When the killers find the Swede, he's expecting them and doesn't put up a fight. Since the Swede had a life insurance policy, an investigator (Edmond O'Brien), on a hunch, decides to look into the murder. As the Swede's past is laid bare, it comes to light that he was in love with a beautiful woman (Ava Gardner) who may have lured him into pulling off a bank robbery overseen by another man (Albert Dekker).

Director: Robert Siodmak
Producer: Mark Hellinger
Screenwriter: Ernest Hemingway, Anthony Veiller, Richard Brooks, John Huston
Distributor: Universal Pictures, Universal International Pictures
Production Co: Mark Hellinger Productions
Genre: Crime, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 28, 1946, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 30, 2016
Runtime: 1h 45m
Sound Mix: Mono
Aspect Ratio: 35mm

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