The Big Heat 1953

John Petrakis, Chicago Tribune: In many ways, Fritz Lang's The Big Heat, scripted by former crime reporter Sydney Boehm, laid the groundwork not only for "Dirty Harry," but for the whole sub-genre of 'rogue cop' films that began to surface during the Vietnam era. Read more

Bosley Crowther, New York Times: Mr. Lang can direct a film. He has put his mind to it, in this instance, and he has brought forth a hot one with a sting. Read more

Don Druker, Chicago Reader: Brutal, atmospheric, and exciting -- highly recommended. Read more

Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times: That's the beauty of Lang's moral ambidexterity. He tells the story of a heroic cop, while using it to mask another story, so much darker, beneath. Read more

Wally Hammond, Time Out: Lang strips down William P McGivern's novel to essentials, giving the story a narrative drive as efficient and powerful as a handgun. Read more

Variety Staff, Variety: Ford's portrayal of the homicide sergeant is honest and packs much wallop. Lang's direction builds taut suspense, throwing unexpected, and believable, thrills at the audience. Read more