The Killers

Name: The Killers
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller, Crime
Released: July 7, 1964
Duration: 93 min
Rating: 72
Cast: Angie Dickinson, Claude Akins, Clu Gulager, Don Haggerty, John Cassavetes

1964

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Generally favorable reviews based on 12 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 4 Ratings

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7.0	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 4 Ratings

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The Killers

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Movie Details & Credits

Universal Pictures | Release Date: July 7, 1964 | Approved

Starring: Angie Dickinson, Claude Akins, Clu Gulager, Don Haggerty, John Cassavetes, Lee Marvin, Norman Fell, Robert Phillips, Ronald Reagan, Virginia Christine

Summary: Surprised that their contract victim didn't try to run away from them, two professional hit men try to find out who hired them and why.

Director: Don Siegel

Genre(s): Drama, Mystery, Thriller, Crime

Rating: Approved

Runtime: 93 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

Chuck Bowen

The Killers redux packs one lasting, significant, retrospective jolt of perversity that far eclipses any possible artistic intentions on the part of its creators though: the sight of future American President Ronald Reagan playing a baddie in his last film role before entering politics. Read full review

Scott Tobias

Though Siegel's The Killers dispatches Hemingway after six unfaithful minutes, its roundabout treatment seems truest to his spirit. Read full review

J. Hoberman

Don Siegel’s remake was hardly so well received, although it is in many respects a more vivid, streamlined, callous film. Read full review

TV Guide Magazine Staff (Not Credited)

Though the film does not stand up to the 1946 version with Burt Lancaster, it has its own pleasures, including Marvin's rather likable role of an assassin, the exciting robbery sequence, and, of course, the villainous Reagan getting his just desserts. Read full review

Dave Kehr

The second film version (1964) of Ernest Hemingway's short story, directed by Don Siegel with far more energy than Robert Siodmak could muster for his overrated 1946 effort. Read full review

Staff (Not Credited)

Like its predecessor, Siegel's version is at its best while setting up the chillingly ruthless detail of the opening execution (here unnervingly set in an asylum for the blind), less satisfying when it starts providing an answer to the mysterious passivity of the victim (Cassavetes). Read full review

Staff (Not Credited)

Coon’s screenplay is burdened with affected dialog and contrived plotwork. Virtually nothing of the original Hemingway remains. Read full review

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KenR

Aug 15, 2021

Please Note: This review is for the'44 version; This tense B/W crime thriller ranks as one of German director Robert Siodmak’s all-time best. Being hunted out of Germany by mounting Nazi pressure - this Universal International film earned him an Oscar nomination. Working with Burt LancasterPlease Note: This review is for the'44 version; This tense B/W crime thriller ranks as one of German director Robert Siodmak’s all-time best. Being hunted out of Germany by mounting Nazi pressure - this Universal International film earned him an Oscar nomination. Working with Burt Lancaster in his impressive movie debut and beautiful Ava Gardner in her first dramatic role, Siodmak brought Ernest Hemingway’s detailed heist story to vivid life. The opening is classic drama at its eerie best and the cast is peppered with a noteworthy ensemble of dramatic reliables - keeping the mystery alive to the fast-paced surprise finale. Cinematographer Woody Bredell works well with Siodmak, creating a complex moody atmosphere, adding extra style to this above-average noir. This version stands head and shoulders above the rather dismal, ‘64 color remake.

The newly cleaned-up Shock DVD transfer gives improved on-screen image and sound but stops short of a full HD remastering. Criterion may have an HD vers.… Expand

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