The Asphalt Jungle (1950): Film Noir UK

In a smog choked city somewhere in the American Midwest, an ageing criminal mastermind, newly released from prison, hatches a plan for a million dollar jewel heist and draws a wealthy lawyer and a cherry-picked trio of outlaws into his carefully devised but inevitably doomed scheme.  

Starring an incredible cast including a tight-jawed Sterling Hayden and a sultry Marilyn Monroe in her breakout role, John Huston’s gritty film noir climaxes in a meticulously detailed anatomy of a robbery that continues to influence film directors to this day. 

An uncommonly naturalistic view of a seamy underworld, The Asphalt Jungle painstakingly depicts the calm professionalism and toughness of its gangster heroes while evincing a remarkable depth of compassion for their all-too-human fragility, and it showcases a master filmmaker at the height of his powers. 

For over 70 years The Asphalt Jungle continues to stand out as one of the greatest American crime films ever made. 

This screening is part of a special Marilyn Monroe film noir double bill marking 60 years since Monroe’s death and produced by Film Noir UK, the first dedicated film organisation in the UK celebrating the ever-influential world of film noir.  

With thanks to Warner Bros and Park Circus.