Pickup on South Street (1953)

Nominated for 1 Academy Award:

Best Supporting Actress: Thelma Ritter

 

I honestly didn’t expect this film to be this good and entertaining. I had heard Thelma Ritter was good, but the film’s also a remarkable fast-paced crime drama and the other actors also stand out, especially the lead, Richard Widmark. He is captivating to look at and does so much acting with the simplest gestures. Impressive.

The screenplay works, the direction is strong, but let’s get to the ultimate highlight: Thelma Ritter’s amazing performance. With the 4 scenes she’s in she almost steals the film, or at least the first half. Her last scene should be iconic in terms of what a character actress can deliver given the right writing and a director willing to film the performance. She is convincing throughout, brings a lot to the character and stands out in a true supporting role. It was her 4th consecutive nomination and she should’ve won.

 

I give it: 8.5/10

IMDB LINK