The Big Night Poster

The Big Night 1951

★ 6.722 votes75 min📅 1951-12-07

"Love! Hate! Murder!"

Dive into the gritty 1951 noir thriller *The Big Night*, directed by Joseph Losey, where a young man's quest for vengeance spirals through the neon-lit underbelly of downtown Los Angeles. With a tagline that crackles—*Love! Hate! Murder!

Director: Joseph Losey

Cast

John Drew Barrymore
John Drew Barrymore
George La Main (as John Barrymore Jr.)
Preston Foster
Preston Foster
Andy La Main
Joan Lorring
Joan Lorring
Marion Rostina
Howard St. John
Howard St. John
Al Judge
Dorothy Comingore
Dorothy Comingore
Julie Rostina
Philip Bourneuf
Philip Bourneuf
Dr. James Cooper
Howland Chamberlain
Howland Chamberlain
Flanagan
Myron Healey
Myron Healey
Kennealy
Emile Meyer
Emile Meyer
Peckinpaugh (as Emil Meyer)
Mauri Lynn
Singer, Terry Angeleus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Big Night (1951) about?

*The Big Night* follows a young man's dangerous journey through Los Angeles' criminal underworld as he seeks to avenge his father's beating. The film explores the consequences of obsession and the dark choices one makes in the name of justice, all set against a backdrop of moral decay.

Who directed The Big Night?

The Big Night was directed by Joseph Losey, a filmmaker known for his sharp, socially conscious storytelling in classic noir and drama films of the 1950s.

Who stars in The Big Night?

The film features John Drew Barrymore, Preston Foster, Joan Lorring, Howard St. John, and Dorothy Comingore in its principal roles.

Is The Big Night (1951) worth watching?

While *The Big Night* isn't widely rated on IMDb, its noir atmosphere and tight runtime make it a compelling watch for fans of early 1950s thrillers. The film's themes of vengeance and redemption, paired with strong performances, offer a gritty and memorable experience.

How long is The Big Night?

The Big Night has a runtime of 75 minutes.

About The Big Night (1951) — A Noir Thriller of Vengeance and Family Honor

Dive into the gritty 1951 noir thriller *The Big Night*, directed by Joseph Losey, where a young man's quest for vengeance spirals through the neon-lit underbelly of downtown Los Angeles. With a tagline that crackles—*Love! Hate! Murder!*—this drama-thriller blends raw emotion and suspense as the protagonist hunts down the brute who left his father broken. The film's moody atmosphere, steeped in shadowy streets and tense confrontations, mirrors the moral decay of its characters, making it a standout in early 1950s cinema.

Starring John Drew Barrymore, Preston Foster, and Joan Lorring, *The Big Night (1951)* weaves a tale of family honor, betrayal, and the blurred lines between justice and vengeance. Losey's direction infuses the compact 75-minute runtime with a sense of urgency, while the cast delivers performances that crackle with intensity. The story's themes of retribution and redemption unfold against a backdrop of seedy clubs and back-alley deals, creating a tense, immersive experience for viewers.