The Big Combo

The Big Combo (1955) is a hard-edged American noir you can watch online on iFILM, directed by Joseph H. Lewis.

Lieutenant Leonard Diamond (Cornel Wilde) has spent years building a case against Mr. Brown (Richard Conte), a smooth and sadistic mob boss who stays one step ahead of every subpoena. What keeps Diamond going is partly principle, partly fixation on Brown's girlfriend (Jean Wallace). Cinematographer John Alton shot the film in slashing high-contrast light — the shadows here feel almost physical, which is why this one keeps appearing on serious lists of noir cinematography alongside Double Indemnity and Out of the Past. Stream The Big Combo (1955) online on iFILM.