It's always interesting to watch a classic film set in contemporary times. Sometimes these movies appear dated and silly. Other times they offer a glimpse into what life used to be like when the world was filmed mostly in black and white. Back in 1947 when Kiss of Death was released, even the hoodlums wore suits and ties. Ladies wore dresses and hats and gloves, and everybody smoked. But villains were as evil then as they are today. And Richard Widmark as Tommy Udo was so good at being bad that every time he chuckles, chills course up and down spines.  Kiss of Death stars Victor Mature, Brian Donlevy, Coleen Gray, Richard Widmark and Karl Malden.

Nick Bianco (Victor Mature) is sent to Sing Sing for his part in a jewelry store heist. Despite the promises of leniency offered by Asst. District Attorney Louis D'Angelo (Brian Donlevy), Bianco won't be a stoolie and rat out his comrades. His partners in crime have promised to take care of his family. But after three years in prison, he learns that his wife has killed herself and his daughters are in an orphanage because his buddies didn't do as they promised. So he takes D'Angelo up on his offer.

The DA   is no longer interested in the two-bit hoodlums. He has bigger fish to fry -evil criminal Tommy Udo. If Bianco will rat out Udo, the DA will get Bianco the parole he wants so that he can take care of his children. Bitter and betrayed and longing for a better life, Bianco goes along with D'Angelo's supposedly fool-proof plan that will get Udo convicted of murder. However, the jury acquits the murderer, and now life is a hell of worry for Bianco who has remarried and made a success of himself under a different identity. When will Udo come after him? Will the sociopath harm his family? The tension builds and builds to a surprising finale.

Richard Widmark was nominated for an Oscar for his work as Udo, and Eleazar Lipsky won that coveted award for Best Writing. Kiss of Death is a spellbinding film noir which was remade in 1995. But see the original to experience the genre at its best.

Director: Henry Hathaway

Screenplay: Ben Hecht and Charles Lederer, Story by Eleazar Lipsky

Cast: Victor Mature, Brian Donlevy, Coleen Gray, Richard Widmark, Karl Malden

Rating: Not Rated. Suitable for older family members

Classic Movie Guide Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

DVD Release Date:

Run Time:   99 minutes

Studio: 20^th Century Fox

Format:   black & white, full frame

Photo Credit:s 20th Century Fox

Kiss of Death trailer