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The Defiant Ones | Year: 1958 Classification: Drama Directed: - Stanley Kramer Actors/Actresses: - Tony Curtis - Sidney Poitier Poitier/Curtis Jail-Break Classic Sidney Poitier continues to break race barriers with this formula jail-break drama. Teamed with Tony Curtis, the escaped prisoners encounter many situations, where their difference in color seems to matter more than the fact that both are fugitives from the law. Throughout the film, the viewer empathizes with the escapees, figuring that they always got a bum deal in life. A scene towards the end, where a single mother sees a chance to "hook up" with Curtis, shows how Curtis, although often disagreeing, even physically fighting with Poitier, still sees Poitier as an equal in their quest for freedom. Rather than "sell out" his friend, he would rather die trying to save him. The inevidable ending (remember that one of the rules in Old Hollywood was that the bad guys can never win)is quite moving. Definitely among the established Hollywood Classics. Although many of the "old ways" have changed drastically since the late 50s, this film offers insight into a piece of Americana many people living today can still recall. An important piece of Film Hostory, and highly recommended!***** A great drama in black and white This tough, gritty film may be tame by today's standards but was a bold cinematic statement when it was released in 1958. Two escaped convicts, one white and the other black, are chained to each other and in their break for freedom are forced to confront the harsh realities of racism at close quarters. Tony Curtis and Sidney Poitier provide expert characterizations of the two desperate men who are also chained by their fears and prejudices about each other's race, with each step in their journey to freedom brimming with venom and animosity. Ironically, it is a white woman who seals the bond of friendship between John Jackson and Noah Cullen by deliberately directing Cullen's escape route through a quicksand-filled swamp so she can run off with Jackson, with whom she's become smitten. Theodore Bikel, Charles McGraw and Lon Chaney Jr. are good in supporting roles and a real find is Cara Williams as the shapely, love-starved country woman so desperate to have a man in her life. Other than Poitier's sporadic warbling of "Long Gone", the only music of note in the movie is provided by Alfalfa's transistor radio that greatly annoys Capt. Gibbons. Curtis and Poitier Perfect Together Typical felons on the run movie in all but the racial aspect. Curtis' character grows and matures throughout the movie. A fine acting job by Curtis. This is the 1st in a series of classic performances by Poitier. For nearly ten years, starting with The Defiant Ones, he was just about the best actor in Hollywood. Definately worth a look. Buy The Defiant Ones at Amazon.com Buy posters at Allposters.com Jamster - the latest ringtones for your phone!  Search with Walhello on the Internet on The Defiant Ones Search with the Priority Search Engine on The Defiant Ones This page in other languages: Suomeksi | Nederlands | Deutsch
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