Dive into the gritty world of Cold War espionage and underworld crime with Pickup on South Street, a standout film noir masterpiece screening at this year’s Noir City film festival. This taut thriller, directed by the legendary Samuel Fuller, is a must-see for any fan of classic cinema and hard-boiled storytelling.
Noir City, the premier festival celebrating film noir, is thrilled to present Pickup on South Street as part of its program. This 1953 gem stars Richard Widmark as Skip McCoy, a cynical pickpocket who unknowingly lifts a crucial piece of microfilm from the purse of Candy, played by the captivating Jean Peters. What Skip doesn’t realize is that this microfilm is a hot potato, desired by both Communist spies and the FBI.
Suddenly, Skip and Candy find themselves caught in a dangerous game of cat and mouse, navigating the shadowy alleys and dimly lit bars of South Street. Fuller’s direction is characteristically punchy and unflinching, perfectly capturing the paranoia and moral ambiguity of the McCarthy era. Pickup on South Street isn’t just a crime thriller; it’s a sharp commentary on American society at a crossroads, disguised within a thrilling noir package.
One of the film’s most memorable aspects is Thelma Ritter’s Oscar-nominated performance as Moe, a world-weary informer. Moe’s cynical wisdom and street smarts provide a crucial counterpoint to Skip and Candy’s more impulsive actions. She represents the pragmatic, survival-driven underbelly of city life, a recurring theme in Fuller’s work.
Pickup on South Street is often considered Samuel Fuller’s signature film, and for good reason. It perfectly encapsulates his bold, tabloid-style filmmaking combined with the polished production values of 20th Century Fox. The film is smart, stylish, and delivers a cinematic punch that resonates even today. It’s a quintessential example of film noir at its finest – morally gray characters, fast-paced action, and a palpable sense of danger lurking around every corner of South Street.
Don’t miss your chance to see Pickup on South Street on the big screen at Noir City. Screening times are Sunday, January 27th at 1:00 PM, 4:30 PM, and 8:50 PM. This is more than just a movie screening; it’s an opportunity to experience a piece of cinematic history, a Cold War thriller that remains chillingly relevant.
Explore the Full Noir City Program:
While Pickup on South Street is a definite highlight, Noir City offers a rich program of classic film noir throughout the festival. Here’s a glimpse of the other thrilling movies you can experience:
Friday, January 25, 1950
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TRAPPED – 7:30 PM: Witness the world premiere of a 35mm restoration of this hard-edged B-movie about a counterfeiter turned undercover operative.
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THE FILE ON THELMA JORDON – 9:15 PM: Barbara Stanwyck delivers a stellar performance as a mysterious woman in this spellbinding noir directed by Robert Siodmak.
Saturday, January 26, Matinée, 1951
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THE WELL – 1:30 PM: A suspenseful and timely film exploring racial tensions in a small American town.
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DETECTIVE STORY – 3:15 PM: Kirk Douglas shines as a hard-nosed cop in this intense drama set in a New York City precinct.
Saturday, January 26, Evening, 1952
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THE TURNING POINT – 7:30 PM: A star-studded thriller delving into organized crime and corruption in 1950s America.
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ANGEL FACE – 9:15 PM: Robert Mitchum and Jean Simmons star in this dark and elegant noir about a deadly heiress.
Sunday, January 27, 1953
- CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS – 2:40 PM, 7:00 PM: A noir oddity set in Chicago, narrated by the city itself, featuring a stellar cast of noir veterans.
Monday, January 28, 1954
- PUSHOVER – 7:30 PM: A cop thriller with Fred MacMurray caught in a web of deceit.
- PRIVATE HELL 36 – 9:20 PM: A gritty noir exploring the dark side of law enforcement.
Tuesday, January 29, 1955
- KISS ME DEADLY – 7:30 PM: A культовый noir known for its atomic anxieties and hard-boiled style.
- KILLER’S KISS – 9:40 PM: Stanley Kubrick’s early noir gem, showcasing his visual talents.
Wednesday, January 30, 1956
- THE SCARLET HOUR – 7:15 PM: A suspenseful courtroom drama with a noir twist.
- A KISS BEFORE DYING – 9:10 PM: A chilling thriller based on Ira Levin’s novel.
Thursday, January 31, 1957
- NIGHTFALL – 7:30 PM: A tense noir starring Aldo Ray as a man on the run.
- THE BURGLAR – 9:10 PM: Jayne Mansfield in a noir heist film directed by Paul Wendkos.
Friday, February 1, 1958
- TOUCH OF EVIL – 7:30 PM: Orson Welles’ masterpiece, a baroque and unforgettable noir experience.
- MURDER BY CONTRACT – 9:30 PM: A minimalist and effective hitman thriller.
Saturday, February 2, Matinée, 1959
- THE CRIMSON KIMONO – 1:30 PM: Samuel Fuller again, this time tackling racial themes in a crime procedural.
- ODDS AGAINST TOMORROW – 3:15 PM: A powerful heist film with racial tensions as a central theme.
Saturday, February 2, Evening, 1960
- BREATHLESS/À BOUT DE SOUFFLE – 7:15 PM: Jean-Luc Godard’s revolutionary French New Wave noir.
- PSYCHO – 9:15 PM: Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic thriller, pushing the boundaries of suspense and horror.
Sunday, February 3, 1961
- UNDERWORLD USA – 1:00 PM, 4:40 PM, 8:40 PM: Samuel Fuller’s gripping tale of revenge in the criminal underworld.
- BLAST OF SILENCE – 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM: A bleak and atmospheric noir shot on location in New York City.
Don’t miss Noir City and the chance to see Pickup on South Street and many other classic film noir titles on the big screen! Check the Noir City website for tickets and more information.
