The Asphalt Jungle Overview:

The Asphalt Jungle (1950) was a Crime - Film Noir Film directed by John Huston and produced by Arthur Hornblow Jr..

SYNOPSIS

Considered by many to be the defining film of the crime oeuvre. After many years in prison, Doc (Jaffe), an over-the-hill criminal decides upon his release from prison to make one last go of it. His attempts to reunite the old gang and their plotting make a gripping backdrop for standout performances, including a lusty Monroe. Based on a novel by W.R. Burnett. Remade in 1958 as Badlanders, in 1963 as Cairo, and 1972 as Cool Breeze.

(Source: available at Amazon AMC Classic Movie Companion).

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The Asphalt Jungle was inducted into the National Film Registry in 2008.

Academy Awards 1950 --- Ceremony Number 23 (source: AMPAS)

AwardRecipientResult
Best Supporting ActorSam JaffeNominated
Best CinematographyHarold RossonNominated
Best DirectorJohn HustonNominated
Best WritingBen Maddow, John HustonNominated
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BlogHub Articles:

Day 24 of Noirvember: Ten Things You May Not Know About The Asphalt Jungle (1950)

By shadowsandsatin on Nov 24, 2023 From Shadows and Satin

Of all of the noirs I?ve seen in my lifetime, one of the absolute best, in my estimation, is The Asphalt Jungle (1950). It has so much going for it ? a stellar ensemble cast, hard-hitting dialogue, a simple but riveting story, and a perfect noir ending. Helmed by John Huston, the film focuses on an ... Read full article


Noir Nook: 10 Things About The Asphalt Jungle (1950) That You May Not Know

By Karen Burroughs Hannsberry on Sep 10, 2020 From Classic Movie Hub Blog

Noir Nook: 10 Things About The Asphalt Jungle (1950) That You May Not Know Of all of the noirs I?ve seen in my lifetime, one of the absolute best, in my estimation, is The Asphalt Jungle (1950). It has so much going for it ? a stellar ensemble cast, hard-hitting dialogue, a simple but riveting st... Read full article


The Asphalt Jungle (1950)

on Sep 8, 2017 From Journeys in Classic Film

Oft-considered one of the greatest film noirs ever made, John Huston’s The Asphalt Jungle is a story?about the perils of city life…with the added bonus of a jewel heist. John Huston’s story is a dark and twisty tale that isn’t so much about law and order, but the crimes peopl... Read full article


Meet the Cast of The Asphalt Jungle

By Amanda Garrett on Feb 11, 2017 From Old Hollywood Films

Today, I'm writing about the memorable gang of thieves in director John Huston's great noir, The Asphalt Jungle (1950). The photo above shows Louis Calhern (left), Sterling Hayden, Jean Hagen, and Sam Jaffe with some stolen loot. There are many great reasons to watch director John Huston's semina... Read full article


The Asphalt Jungle (1950) – Film-Noir

By 4 Star Film Fan on Jul 18, 2013 From 4 Star Films

* May contain spoilers Directed by John Huston and starring an ensemble cast headed by Sam Jaffe and Sterling Hayden, this was the first great noir heist film. Jaffe has just recently been released from prison and he has contrived an intricate jewel robbery. He teams with a?multi-talented?safe crack... Read full article


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Quotes from

Cobby: Here's to the drink habit. It's the only one I got that don't get me into trouble.


Doc Riedenschneider: That copper, he recognized me.
Cobby: How'd you know he was a copper?
Doc Riedenschneider: I can smell one a block off.
Cobby: Oh, don't worry about Ditrich. He's on my payroll. Practically a partner. Me and him, we're like that.
[Cobby holds up his index and middle finger]
Doc Riedenschneider: Experience has taught me never to trust a policeman. Just when you think one's all right, he turns legit.


Doc Riedenschneider: One way or another, we all work for our vice.


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Facts about

John Huston originally intended the role of Angela Phinlay for Lola Albright.
Debut of Jack Warden.
Brannom (Brad Dexter) is the first character to die in the film. Dexter later appeared as Harry Luck in The Magnificent Seven. He was the first of the Seven to be killed.
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Best Supporting Actor Oscar 1950






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National Film Registry

The Asphalt Jungle

Released 1950
Inducted 2008
(Sound)




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Also directed by John Huston




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Also produced by Arthur Hornblow Jr.




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Also released in 1950




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