Thieves‘ Highway
| Program section: | Trucker Noir |
|---|---|
| Directed by: | Jules Dassin |
| Year: | 1949 |
| Country: | USA |
| Length: | 94 min. |
| Cast: | Richard Conte, Valentina Cortese, Lee J. Cobb., Barbara Lawrence, Jack Oakie and others. |
Screening:
- 20. 8. 2026 | 17:00 - Kašpar Šternberk's Courtyard / CZ SDH /
Production: 20th Century Fox
Script/Based on: A.I. Bezzerides
Director of Photography: Norbert Brodine
Score: Alfred Newman
After just four years, Thieves’ Highway returns to the NFF program. While in 2022 it was part of the “Blacklist” section as a reminder of the fate of its director, Jules Dassin, this time it is joined by other films featuring roads and hard-to-control trucks. War veteran Nico Garcos, from a family of Americanized Greeks, tries to strike it rich in the apple trade after returning from the army, while also seeking revenge against a man named Mike Figlia, who cheated and maimed his father. The story is partly set in the multi-ethnic environment of San Francisco, and many scenes were shot on its streets, particularly around the Ferry Building. The attention to detail and the effort to create a convincing fictional world are among the reasons why the film is highly regarded in retrospect. The performances of Richard Conte and Lee J. Cobb as the archrivals are also frequently praised. (mh)
