Kubrick's second feature, and, as Trio reminded me incessantly, the last one to be filmed from original material. Not surprising; Kubrick is credited with the story (there is no screenplay credit) and eeet's wayfair theen, a noir about a down-on-his-luck boxer and a down-on-her-luck private dancer and their attempt to leave New York and her thuggish boss behind. The characters are ciphers, and since most of the plot is them getting dicked around for wanting a better life, it comes across as kinda silly and inconsequential. According to Trio, Kubrick filmed it entirely without sound, dubbing it in later. It's a pretty good job (I don't think I would've noticed), but more importantly, it allowed Kubrick to put the camera anywhere he pleased, and any interest comes from the remarkable shots and bits of business that punctuate the film. The last fifteen minutes or so is an extended action/chase sequence, and done very well, considering the low budget and Kubrick's inexperience. Looks like he could've been another Don Siegel if he wanted; luckily for us, he chose to be himself.
Where we saw it: tv | We deign to rate it: 45 outta 100