Thieves’ Highway

Directed by Jules Dassin, Thieves’ Highway follows war veteran Nick Garcos (Richard Conte) as he attempts to avenge the crippling of his father by confronting the produce dealer (Lee J. Cobb’s Mike Figlia) responsible. Filmmaker Dassin, working from A. I. Bezzerides’ screenplay, delivers a slow-moving yet increasingly compelling endeavor that kicks off with a somewhat underwhelming first act, admittedly, as Dassin initially emphasizes the central character’s far-from-enthralling attempts at hauling apples to said produce dealer’s bustling market – with, at least, the movie benefiting from Conte’s typically commanding performance and Norbert Brodine’s moody, eye-catching cinematography. It’s clear, then, that Thieves’ Highway improves considerably once Nick arrives at the fruit market and Cobb’s intimidating figure enters the proceedings, and the movie, which boasts several instances of irresistible tough-guy dialogue (eg “touch my truck and I’ll climb into your hair”), details Conte’s character’s appealing exploits and interactions with a host of compelling periphery figures (including Valentina Cortese’s tough yet sympathetic prostitute) – with the narrative eventually building towards an unexpectedly electrifying climax that ensures the whole thing ultimately concludes on a memorable, positive note.

*** out of ****