Watch Killer's Kiss

Killer's Kiss is a 1955 film noir directed by the legendary filmmaker Stanley Kubrick. It stars Frank Silvera, Irene Kane, and Jamie Smith. The movie is a suspenseful thriller that tells the story of a washed-up boxer who falls in love with his neighbor, a dancer who dreams of making it big in Hollywood. The film opens with Davey Gordon (Jamie Smith), a down-on-his-luck boxer, narrating his story. He's shown working as a taxi driver in New York City, trying to make ends meet. One day, while driving around Manhattan, he happens to see his neighbor, Gloria Price (Irene Kane), dancing in a nearby studio. The two instantly feel a connection, which leads to a short but passionate affair.

However, Gloria's sleazy boss and ex-lover, Vincent Rapallo (Frank Silvera), doesn't take kindly to her newfound relationship. He intimidates Gloria while also plotting to take Davey out of the picture. Davey, who feels indebted to Gloria, decides to give up his dream of making a comeback as a boxer, to protect her. He changes his appearance and moves to a new city but soon realizes he's being followed by Rapallo's henchmen.

As the tension builds up, the movie culminates in an intense and suspenseful showdown in a mannequin factory, where Davey and Rapallo's men engage in a brutal fight.

Killer's Kiss is a classic example of film noir, with its atmospheric lighting, shadowy settings, and a hard-boiled storyline. The movie is shot entirely on location in New York City, adding an extra layer of grit and authenticity to the film. Kubrick's direction is both clever and innovative, with some impressive sequences that show his genius at work.

The acting in Killer's Kiss is outstanding, with all three leads delivering top-notch performances. Jamie Smith, who plays Davey, is the perfect embodiment of a boxer past his prime, while Irene Kane imbues Gloria with a delicate vulnerability that makes her all the more endearing. Frank Silvera delivers a menacing turn as the villainous Rapallo, creating a palpable sense of danger throughout the movie.

Another standout aspect of Killer's Kiss is its impressive score, composed by the jazz musician and composer Gerald Fried. The score's use of percussion and brass give the movie a noirish feel, adding to the film's suspenseful and moody atmosphere.

Overall, Killer's Kiss is an underappreciated gem in Stanley Kubrick's filmography. Though it lacks the grandeur and thematic depth of his later works, it showcases his early talent for visual storytelling and exciting filmmaking. With its taut narrative, impressive cinematography, and superb performances, Killer's Kiss is a must-see for fans of classic film noir.

Killer's Kiss is a 1955 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 7 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.