Pickup on South Street

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Steve B Criminals or Commies? Who's worse? The question at the heart of this hardcore New York street crime drama. But it's 1953, and paranoia runs deep, so we know the answer. Richard Widmark at his tough guy best. The incredibly beautiful Jean Peters is the " party girl" kept by a cell of spies. And of course the wonderful Thelma Ritter, who steals the movie as a street survivor working every angle she can on those tough Manhattan streets. Great New York street shots. But was that shack floating in the East River built for the set, or was that really out there floating around in 1953? And who knew that a pickpocket was known as a "cannon"? Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/02/25 Full Review Zackary T One of my all time favorite films. Sam Fuller was truly a master of the small, short, and heavy hitting b movies. The dialogue and acting in this film is truly remarkable. Thelma Ritter has me in tears everytime. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/08/24 Full Review James B Cold War Noir. Too bad it wasn't directed by Hitchcock or it could've become a classic. The premise is brilliant and the style is classic noir. I tried to not let the honor-among-thieves subplot bother me. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/25/24 Full Review nick s Well acted and good camera work. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/06/24 Full Review acsdoug D The story is nothing special really, but Samuel Fuller's direction is flawless, a young Rickard Widmark playing the tough guy is always a treat. and I was very impressed with Jean Peters performance. She achieved the perfect balance between hard boiled and vulnerable. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 08/02/23 Full Review Erica K "Pickup on South Street" is considered one of the best film noirs and showcases Sam Fuller's controlled direction. The film revolves around a pickpocket, played by Richard Widmark, who steals microfilm intended for communist spies, leading to a series of events involving a woman, Jean Peters, and a stool pigeon, Thelma Ritter. While the love story feels rushed and somewhat unbelievable, Richard Widmark delivers an excellent performance, and Thelma Ritter's portrayal adds unexpected emotional depth to the film, particularly in her memorable final scene. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/26/23 Full Review Read all reviews

Pickup on South Street

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