★★★★★ 5
Kitty is Innocent!
**** I will not be discussing plot points or including spoilers in this review. The Killers (1946 and 1964) is a Criterion Collection ‘double feature’ consisting of both theatrical versions of Ernest Hemingway’s short story. The 1946 film is the superior one, in my opinion. Featuring an ensemble cast including Ava Gardner and Burt Lancaster, it has all of the classic ingredients of a great noir film:
• well-written screenplay
• memorable femme fatale
• believable, shady villains
• investigating a crime
• hardboiled
• effective flashback scenes
• plot twists and turns
Director Robert Siodmak meshes these attributes to perfection in one of the greatest noirs to ever hit the silver screen. Ava Gardner as Kitty Collins is icing on the cake, as her character is one of the most iconic femme fatales in noir history. She’s so dangerous! The Criterion Collection blu ray is a must-have, with both film versions in high quality, and some very neat special features. I’m so glad that they included the 1964 film on this blu ray. Sit back, relax, and enjoy The Killers in the way they were meant to be viewed!
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Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2025
