Cast
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Lawrence Tierney
as Vincent Lubeck
Allene Roberts
as Rosa
Marjorie Riordan
as Eileen
Lisa Golm
as Mrs. Lubeck
Edward Tierney
as Johnny Lubeck
Stuart Randall
as Police Lt. Burdick
Angela Stevens
as Christie Lang (as Ann Zika)
O.Z. Whitehead
as Breckenridge
Eddie Foster
as Mickey Sessions
Tom Hubbard
as Police Sgt. Schmidt
John De Simone
as Marty Connell
Richard Barron
as Eddie Bright
Rudy Rama
as Harry Hill
Crew
Director
- Max Nosseck
Producer
- Maurice Kosloff
Reviews
John Chard
Hoodlum Glum!
The Hoodlum is directed by Max Nosseck and written by Sam Neuman and Nat Tanchuck. It stars Lawrence Tierney, Allene Roberts, Marjorie Riordan, Edward Tierney and Lisa Golm. Music is by Darrell Calker and cinematography by Clark Ramsey.
Career criminal Vincent Lubeck (L. Tierney) is paroled five years into a ten year stretch for armed robbery. Moving in with his Mother (Golm) and Brother Johnny (E. Tierney), he goes to work for Johnny pumping gas at the family gas station. Sure enough though, with a bank over the road from the gas station, it's not long before Vincent is up to his old tricks again.
"It's like a kid working in a candy factory. First he tastes everything that comes along, after a while the only thing he touches is the silver wrapped stuff. Then he's sick of that and he looks for something real special - like you!"
Real life tough guy Lawrence Tierney slots seamlessly into another portrayal of a remorseless thug, the actor and the characterisation at home in such a low budget short length (61 minutes) feature. Vincent doesn't care about who he tramples on, he is all about self preservation. Using family and women alike to further his ends, it's the character's traits that give the pic its edgy appeal.
In the mix is sexual menace, bolstered by Calker's imposing music which paints the picture for us. Suicide features, as of course does murder and robbery, so the makers get some good story strands into the hour long play, but they feel like vignettes, with so many promising ideas undeveloped.
Things aren't helped by the poor acting around L. Tierney, while crude back projection and old stock footage shots compound the cheap feel of it all. Ramsey's photography is suitably dark in filters, befitting the story of course, but the key robbery scene is poorly constructed by Nosseck to leave the viewer confused as well as disappointed.
There's still enough to enjoy here for fans of 50s crime or noir in tone pictures, and it's a must for fans of big bad Lawrence, even if ultimately it's just a short sharp shock type filler piece. 6/10
Nov 24, 2018
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Hoodlum 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 Max Nosseck 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 1951, 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 Hoodlum took approximately 5 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 61 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 119 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1951, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Hoodlum shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Racket, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Hoodlum offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Tension and Shockproof explore similar territory, The Hoodlum stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: July 5, 1951
- Runtime: 1h 1m
Where to Watch
