SHOOTING OFF HIS MOUTH Cook
The Killing: Kobal Collection
The Killing
(1956)THE SETUP Ex-con Johnny Clay (Asphalt Jungle's Sterling Hayden) rounds up a crew of ordinary guys — including henpecked racetrack employee George (Elisha Cook Jr.) — for what he promises his girlfriend will be his final caper.
THE JOB Steal $2 million from the racetrack betting room while a sniper creates a diversion by shooting one of the horses during the race.
THE CATCH George spills the beans about the heist to his scheming shrew of a wife. She informs her thuggish boyfriend about the heist, and he wants in on the action. The ruthless couple interferes with Johnny's best laid plans.
DOES CRIME PAY? Only if you keep your mouth shut. In any case, The Killing was director Stanley Kubrick's breakthrough film.
GRADE A (Read the review)
