Touch of Evil (1958)

Director: Orson Welles
Starring: Charlton Heston, Orson Welles, Janet Leigh

Synopsis:
On the US-Mexico border, an American contractor is killed by a car bomb. Jurisdictional friction follows when a Mexican detective clashes with a corrupt American police captain, but that isn't the only problem that raises its head.

Impressions:
You're probably going to have trouble accepting Charlton Heston with a tan and his hair dyed black as a Mexican, but if you can put that aside, this is a fine film. I have to give Orson Welles credit for taking on the role of the schlubby, venal and casually racist Captain Quinlan. It's an amazing character. Although it's a comparatively small role, Marlene Dietrich as Quinlan's old flame Tana is quite compelling. It was her performance here that got me looking for her in other films.

This is a good murder mystery but an even better character study. There is also the legendary oner at the beginning that any serious film aficionado should see, if you haven't already.

Rating:
Watch It