The Killers (Crime, 1946)

"The Killers" (1946) is a classic film noir, a genre characterized by its moody atmosphere, morally ambiguous characters, and dark, suspenseful storytelling. Directed by Robert Siodmak, the movie is based on a short story of the same name by Ernest Hemingway, though it expands significantly on the original tale. It’s a gripping blend of crime, mystery, and drama, steeped in the shadowy aesthetics typical of noir.
Plot
The story kicks off with two hitmen, Al (Charles McGraw) and Max (William Conrad), arriving in a small town to murder a gas station attendant known as "The Swede" (Burt Lancaster), whose real name is Ole Anderson. The Swede, resigned to his fate, doesn’t resist, and after his death, insurance investigator Jim Reardon (Edmond O’Brien) takes an interest in the case. Reardon digs into the Swede’s past, unraveling a complex web of crime, betrayal, and lost love through a series of flashbacks. We learn that the Swede was once a boxer who fell into a life of crime after a career-ending injury, got tangled up with a femme fatale named Kitty Collins (Ava Gardner), and was double-crossed during a $250,000 heist. The nonlinear narrative builds tension as Reardon pieces together why the Swede accepted his death—and who set him up.
Cast
Burt Lancaster as Ole "The Swede" Anderson: This was Lancaster’s film debut, launching him into stardom with his brooding, physical presence.

Ava Gardner as Kitty Collins: Gardner’s sultry, duplicitous performance cemented her as a noir icon.

Edmond O’Brien as Jim Reardon: The determined investigator driving the story forward.

Albert Dekker as "Big Jim" Colfax: A key figure in the heist and betrayal.

Sam Levene as Lt. Sam Lubinsky: The Swede’s childhood friend turned cop.

The supporting cast, including McGraw and Conrad as the killers, adds menace and depth to the film’s gritty world.
Directors
Robert Siodmak helmed the project, bringing his German Expressionist influences to the table. His use of stark lighting, dramatic angles, and a pervasive sense of doom makes The Killers a standout in the noir canon. The screenplay was credited to Anthony Veiller, though John Huston and Richard Brooks (uncredited) also contributed significantly.
Awards
While The Killers didn’t sweep the Oscars, it earned critical acclaim and four Academy Award nominations in 1947:
Best Director (Robert Siodmak)

Best Film Editing (Arthur Hilton)

Best Score (Miklós Rózsa)

Best Screenplay (Anthony Veiller)

It didn’t win any Oscars but has since been recognized as a seminal work, earning a spot in the National Film Registry in 2008 for its cultural and historical significance.
Fun Facts
Hemingway’s Stamp of Approval: Ernest Hemingway reportedly loved the film, despite it expanding far beyond his 10-page story, which only covers the opening scene.

Burt’s Big Break: Lancaster was a former circus acrobat with no acting experience before this role. Universal Studios signed him after producer Mark Hellinger spotted his raw charisma.

Ava’s Rise: This was one of Gardner’s first major roles, propelling her to sex-symbol status in Hollywood.

Loose Remake: The movie was remade in 1964 with Lee Marvin and Angie Dickinson, directed by Don Siegel, but it took a more action-oriented approach and was initially intended for TV.

Noir Blueprint: The film’s structure—starting with a death and unraveling the mystery through flashbacks—became a template for later noir classics.

The Killers remains a masterclass in tension and style, a must-watch for fans of classic cinema or anyone curious about the roots of film noir.