Movie review – “Pick Up on South Street” (1953) ***

Plenty of good old tough Sam Fuller handling, particularly it’s slam bam opening sequence with Richard Widmark picking Jean Peters’ pocket, not aware they’re being watched by agents, or that he’s stolen national secrets. The 50s Commie angle and talk of treason fits awkwardly into this film, which cries out to be thoroughly cynical. (It’s an Eisenhower Era version of patriot noir of World War Two, where low lives are redeemed through patriotism, eg This Gun for Hire.) Widmark’s performance is also a little odd – he’s a hero yet a villain, and doesn’t quite make a compelling leading man. Jean Peters is very good though, as is Thelma Ritter (she has a great death scene). The scenes of violence (eg Ritter and Peters being shot, the final fight) are effective – it’s a shame there isn’t more of them. Indeed, this is a long way from a masterpiece although it's entertaining.