Cast
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Farley Granger
as Nicholas 'Nicky' Bradna
Anthony Quinn
as Phil Regal
Anne Bancroft
as Rosalie Regalzyk
Peter Graves
as Joe McFarland
Else Neft
as Mrs. Regalzyk
Sara Berner
as Millie Swadke
Jerry Paris
as Latzi Franks
Mario Siletti
as Antonio Cardini
James Flavin
as Attorney Michael X. Flanders
Whit Bissell
as Dist. Atty. Blaker
Joe Turkel
as Shimmy
Joyce Terry
as Margie (as Joy Terry)
Harry Tyler
as I. Barricks
Jerry Hausner
as Louie
Frank Baker
as
Crew
Director
- Maxwell Shane
Producer
- Edward Small
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Naked Street examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Maxwell Shane brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1955, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Naked Street took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 84 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 108 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- The musical score contains over 49 unique compositions.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1955, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Naked Street shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Le Divorce, which focuses more on action than character development, The Naked Street subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like New York Stories and Marvin's Room explore similar territory, The Naked Street stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 1, 1955
- Runtime: 1h 24m
