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The Big Combo is a 1955 American film noir directed by Joseph H. Lewis, and starring Cornel Wilde, Richard Conte, and Jean Wallace. It is a story of a determined, dogged, and obsessive detective, Leonard Diamond (played by Cornel Wilde), who is in pursuit of the notorious gangster and racketeer, Mr. Brown (Richard Conte). Diamond’s investigation leads him to unravel Mr. Brown’s criminal empire, but also puts him in a dangerous situation where he finds himself torn between his duty and his love for Susan Lowell (Jean Wallace), Mr. Brown’s mistress.

Set in an urban, crime-ridden environment, The Big Combo is a suspenseful and gritty tale of the police and the underworld. The film opens with a scene of a beautiful woman, Susan Lowell, being picked up by two thugs, who work for Mr. Brown. This sets the tone for what is to come, as it is immediately apparent that Mr. Brown is the central figure of the film - a powerful and feared gangster who rules the criminal underworld with an iron fist.

Leonard Diamond, a lieutenant in the police department, is the only one willing to take on Mr. Brown. Despite being warned by his superiors that Mr. Brown is untouchable, Diamond is determined to bring him to justice. Diamond’s pursuit of Mr. Brown is complicated by the fact that he is in love with Susan Lowell, a beautiful and enigmatic woman who is also Mr. Brown’s mistress. This puts Diamond in a difficult position, as his love for Susan threatens to compromise his investigation and puts him in danger from both Mr. Brown and his own colleagues.

Despite the various obstacles that Diamond faces, he is relentless in his pursuit of Mr. Brown. Diamond uses a combination of cunning and brute force to slowly unravel Mr. Brown’s criminal empire, as he chases leads and interrogates suspects. He discovers that Mr. Brown has a vast network of associates, including corrupt police officers and politicians, who assist him in his criminal activities. As Diamond gets closer to the truth, he becomes more determined and more reckless, putting himself and those around him in jeopardy.

The Big Combo is a classic film noir, with all the hallmarks of the genre: dark and shadowy cinematography, a twisting and suspenseful plot, and an atmosphere of tension and danger. The film also features a cast of talented actors, who deliver convincing performances. Cornel Wilde plays Leonard Diamond with a mixture of stoicism and passion, capturing the character’s intensity and dedication. Richard Conte gives a chilling portrayal of Mr. Brown, conveying the character’s ruthless and menacing nature. And Jean Wallace is both alluring and mysterious as Susan Lowell, a character who is both victim and femme fatale.

In addition to its strong performances and captivating plot, The Big Combo also features a memorable score by David Raksin, which adds to the film’s moody and atmospheric tone. The film’s dark and brooding soundtrack is a perfect match for the story, emphasizing the tension and danger that permeate the film.

In conclusion, The Big Combo is an excellent example of film noir, with its complex characters, gritty setting, and tense atmosphere. It is a film that takes its time to unfold its story, building suspense with each new revelation. Fans of the genre will appreciate the film’s style and themes, and those who are new to film noir will find it to be a perfect introduction to the genre. Overall, The Big Combo is a classic film that deserves its place in the pantheon of film noir.

The Big Combo is a 1955 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.