Jules Dassin was an American film director who made a significant impact on the film industry during the mid-twentieth century.

Born in Connecticut in 1911, Dassin began his career in theater before transitioning to film in the 1940s.

He is perhaps best known for his contributions to film noir, a genre characterized by its dark and cynical portrayal of human nature.

Dassin’s films are notable for their complex characters, intricate plots, and stylish visuals. He was a master of suspense and tension, and his movies often featured morally ambiguous protagonists who were forced to confront the darker aspects of their own nature.

Over the course of his career, Dassin directed many classic films, including “The Naked City” (1948), “Brute Force” (1947), and “Rififi” (1955).

These films remain highly regarded by critics and audiences alike and continue to influence filmmakers to this day.

Best Jules Dassin Films

We will explore some of Jules Dassin’s best films and the themes and techniques that make them so memorable.

From his early work in film noir to his later contributions to the crime genre, Dassin’s films offer a unique and compelling vision of the world that is not to be missed.

1. Rififi (1955)

“Rififi” is a 1955 French crime drama film directed by Jules Dassin. The movie is known for its iconic 30-minute heist sequence, which is widely regarded as one of the most realistic and suspenseful depictions of a robbery ever put to film.

The plot centers around a group of four criminals who plan and execute a daring jewelry heist in Paris.

The group includes Tony le Stéphanois (played by Jean Servais), a recently released convict who leads the operation, and his former partner-in-crime, Jo le Suedois (played by Carl Möhner).

The heist itself is a meticulously planned and executed sequence that is both tense and thrilling.

The film also explores the personal lives and relationships of the characters, as well as the moral dilemmas they face as they carry out the robbery.

“Rififi” was a critical and commercial success and is now considered a classic of French cinema. It is often cited as a major influence on subsequent heist films, including “Ocean’s Eleven” and “The Italian Job.”

   

The movie’s realistic depiction of the criminal underworld and its attention to detail in the heist sequence have made it a favorite among cinephiles and crime film fans alike.

2. Night and the City (1950)

“Night and the City” is a film noir released in 1950, directed by Jules Dassin and starring Richard Widmark and Gene Tierney.

The film is set in post-World War II London and follows the story of Harry Fabian, a small-time hustler who dreams of making it big in the city’s wrestling scene.

The film is known for its atmospheric cinematography, showcasing the seedy underbelly of London’s nightlife. It explores themes such as ambition, greed, and the corrupting influence of power.

Richard Widmark delivers a memorable performance as Harry Fabian, portraying him as a charismatic but ultimately self-destructive character. Gene Tierney also shines as Mary Bristol, a nightclub owner and love interest to Fabian.

Overall, “Night and the City” is a classic film noir that captures the dark and gritty side of post-war London.

It is a must-watch for fans of the genre and those interested in exploring the themes of ambition, greed, and the corrupting influence of power.

Night and the City (The Criterion Collection)
  • Richard Widmark, Gene Tierney, Googie Withers (Actors)
  • Jules Dassin (Director) - Austin Dempster (Writer)
  • English (Subtitle)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • Audience Rating: Unrated (Not Rated)

3. The Naked City (1948)

“The Naked City” is a 1948 film noir directed by Jules Dassin and produced by Mark Hellinger.

The film is notable for its realistic depiction of police work in New York City, and for being one of the first Hollywood films shot entirely on location in the city.

The film follows two detectives, Detective Lieutenant Dan Muldoon (Barry Fitzgerald) and Detective Jimmy Halloran (Don Taylor), as they investigate the murder of a beautiful young model named Jean Dexter (played by Jean Hagen).

As they delve deeper into the case, they encounter a cast of characters including her wealthy lover, her jealous roommate, and a group of young men who may have been involved in her death.

“The Naked City” is famous for its gritty, documentary-style cinematography, which captures the feel of New York City in the late 1940s.

The film was shot on location in many different neighborhoods and landmarks, giving audiences a glimpse into the diverse and bustling city.

The film’s groundbreaking approach to location shooting and its realistic portrayal of police work were influential in the development of the police procedural genre.

“The Naked City” was also a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it remains a classic of film noir and a beloved example of New York City on film.

The Naked City [DVD] [1948]
  • Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

4. Brute Force (1947)

“Brute Force” is a 1947 film noir directed by Jules Dassin and starring Burt Lancaster, Hume Cronyn, and Charles Bickford. The film follows a group of prisoners who plan a daring escape from a brutal, overcrowded prison.

The film is notable for its stark portrayal of life in prison and the brutality and corruption that pervades the system. It also explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the struggle for justice in an unjust world.

“Brute Force” received critical acclaim upon its release and has since become a classic of the film noir genre.

The film’s use of shadows and low-key lighting, along with its tense and suspenseful plot, have made it a favorite of noir enthusiasts.

   

In addition to its artistic merits, “Brute Force” is also significant for its commentary on social and political issues of its time, such as the treatment of prisoners and the abuse of power by those in authority. Overall, “Brute Force” remains a powerful and influential film that continues to resonate with audiences today.

Brute Force (The Criterion Collection)
  • Brute Force (Criterion Collection) - DVD Brand New
  • Burt Lancaster, Hume Cronyn, Charles Bickford (Actors)
  • Jules Dassin (Director) - Richard Brooks (Writer)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • Audience Rating: Unrated (Not Rated)

5. Thieves’ Highway (1949)

“Thieves’ Highway” is a film noir directed by Jules Dassin and released in 1949.

The movie tells the story of Nick Garcos, a truck driver who returns home from World War II to find that his father has been crippled in an accident caused by a ruthless and corrupt fruit dealer named Mike Figlia.

Nick sets out to exact revenge and restore his family’s honor, but he soon finds himself caught up in a dangerous world of violence, greed, and betrayal.

The film is notable for its realistic portrayal of the trucking industry and the complex relationships between drivers, dealers, and growers.

The characters in the film are flawed and multifaceted, and the movie explores themes such as loyalty, justice, and the corrupting influence of power.

Dassin’s direction is taut and suspenseful, and the film features strong performances by Richard Conte as Nick and Lee J. Cobb as Figlia.

The movie also includes a memorable scene in which Nick engages in a brutal fistfight with another driver in a warehouse filled with crates of fruit.

“Thieves’ Highway” is a gripping and intense film that offers a compelling vision of the seedy underbelly of post-war America. It remains a classic of the film noir genre and a testament to Dassin’s skill as a director.

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Thieves' Highway (The Criterion Collection) [DVD]
  • Richard Conte, Valentina Cortese, Lee J. Cobb (Actors)
  • Jules Dassin (Director) - A.I. Bezzerides (Writer)
  • English (Subtitle)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • Audience Rating: Unrated (Not Rated)

6. Topkapi (1964)

Topkapi is a crime thriller film released in 1964, directed by Jules Dassin and starring Melina Mercouri, Maximilian Schell, and Peter Ustinov. The movie is based on the novel The Light of Day by Eric Ambler.

The film follows a group of thieves who plan to steal a priceless emerald-encrusted dagger from the Topkapi Palace Museum in Istanbul, Turkey.

The plan is devised by Elizabeth Lipp (Mercouri), a beautiful and cunning woman who recruits the other members of the team, including a safecracker named Franz (Schell) and a small-time thief named Cedric (Ustinov).

The group must navigate a series of obstacles and challenges, including surveillance by the police and the palace guards, in order to successfully carry out the heist.

Topkapi is known for its stylish direction, inventive camera work, and suspenseful plot. The film’s use of long takes, close-ups, and unconventional angles adds to its tension and excitement, while its exotic setting and colorful characters create a sense of adventure and intrigue.

The movie also features a memorable score by Manos Hatzidakis, which incorporates traditional Turkish music.

Upon its release, Topkapi was a critical and commercial success, earning praise for its direction, performances, and entertainment value.

The film won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Ustinov’s portrayal of Cedric. It has since become a cult classic, and is regarded as one of the best examples of heist movies in modern cinema.

Topkapi [DVD]
  • Melina Mercouri, Peter Ustinov, Maximilian Schell (Actors)
  • Jules Dassin (Director) - Eric Ambler (Writer)
  • Spanish, French (Subtitles)
  • Audience Rating: Unrated (Not Rated)

7. Never on Sunday (1960)

“Never on Sunday” is a 1960 Greek film directed by Jules Dassin and starring Melina Mercouri as Ilya, a free-spirited prostitute who lives in the port city of Piraeus.

The movie explores themes of love, freedom, and cultural identity, as well as the clash between traditional and modern values.

The film centers around the relationship between Ilya and an American intellectual named Homer Thrace (played by Dassin himself) who comes to Greece to study the history and culture of the country.

Homer becomes fascinated with Ilya and begins to question his own values and beliefs as he spends time with her and learns about her way of life.

“Never on Sunday” is known for its lively music, featuring several memorable songs composed by Greek composer Manos Hadjidakis.

The film was a critical and commercial success, winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song for Hadjidakis’ “Never on Sunday” and earning Mercouri international acclaim for her performance.

The movie is a celebration of Greek culture and way of life, and its colorful and vibrant portrayal of the people and places of Piraeus helped to put Greece on the map as a popular tourist destination.

It is also a powerful and moving exploration of human relationships and the search for meaning and happiness in life.

Never on Sunday
  • Melina Mercouri, Jules Dassin, Giorgos Foundas (Actors)
  • Jules Dassin (Director) - Jules Dassin (Writer) - Jules Dassin (Producer)
  • English (Subtitle)
  • Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)

8. The Canterville Ghost (1944)

“The Canterville Ghost” is a comedy-fantasy film released in 1944, directed by Jules Dassin and starring Charles Laughton, Robert Young, and Margaret O’Brien.

The film is based on the 1887 novella of the same name by Oscar Wilde and follows the story of Sir Simon de Canterville, a ghost who haunts an English castle.

The film is known for its lighthearted tone and witty humor, which is typical of Oscar Wilde’s writing. It explores themes such as the supernatural, redemption, and the power of love.

Charles Laughton delivers a standout performance as Sir Simon, portraying him as a lovable but mischievous ghost who is haunted by his past misdeeds. Margaret O’Brien also shines as the young Virginia Otis, who befriends Sir Simon and helps him find redemption.

Overall, “The Canterville Ghost” is a charming and whimsical film that captures the essence of Oscar Wilde’s writing. It is a must-watch for fans of classic Hollywood comedies and those interested in exploring the themes of the supernatural, redemption, and the power of love.

Canterville Ghost
  • Factory sealed DVD
  • Charles Laughton, Robert Young, Margaret O'Brien (Actors)
  • Jules Dassin (Director)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)

9. Up Tight! (1968)

“Up Tight!” is a 1968 drama film directed by Jules Dassin, set in Cleveland, Ohio, in the aftermath of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. The film explores the political and social tensions of the time, as well as the struggle for civil rights and racial equality in America.

The movie follows a group of African American radicals who plan a violent revolution in response to King’s death, but face opposition from within their own community.

The main character, Tank Williams (played by Julian Mayfield), is a former civil rights activist who has become disillusioned with non-violent protest and is willing to take extreme measures to effect change.

“Up Tight!” is notable for its realistic portrayal of the urban black experience and its depiction of the complexities of the civil rights movement.

It also features a powerful and moving score by Booker T. Jones, which adds to the film’s emotional impact.

The movie was not a commercial success at the time of its release, but it has since been recognized as an important work of cinema, with a message that still resonates today.

It offers a thought-provoking look at the struggle for justice and equality, as well as the complexities of human relationships and the search for meaning in a turbulent world.

Uptight
  • Factory sealed DVD
  • Raymond St. Jacques, Ruby Dee, Frank Silvera (Actors)
  • Jules Dassin (Director) - Jules Dassin (Writer) - Jules Dassin (Producer)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

10. The Tell-Tale Heart (1941)

“The Tell-Tale Heart” is a horror-thriller short film released in 1941, directed by Jules Dassin and starring Joseph Schildkraut.

The film is based on the 1843 short story of the same name by Edgar Allan Poe and follows the story of an unnamed narrator who murders an old man and becomes haunted by his guilt.

The film is known for its suspenseful atmosphere and eerie visuals, which capture the essence of Edgar Allan Poe’s writing. It explores themes such as madness, guilt, and the human psyche.

Joseph Schildkraut delivers a standout performance as the unnamed narrator, portraying him as a man consumed by his own guilt and paranoia. The film’s use of first-person narration and flashbacks also adds to its unsettling tone.

Overall, “The Tell-Tale Heart” is a classic horror-thriller that captures the essence of Edgar Allan Poe’s writing. It is a must-watch for fans of the genre and those interested in exploring the themes of madness, guilt, and the human psyche.

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11. The Law (1959)

“The Law” is a 1959 western film directed by Jules Dassin and starring Gina Lollobrigida, Marcello Mastroianni, and Yves Montand.

The film is notable for being one of the few westerns made by a European director and for its exploration of themes of justice, revenge, and morality.

The film takes place in a small town in the American West, where the corrupt sheriff Halliday (played by Lee J. Cobb) and his deputy (played by Eli Wallach) rule with an iron fist.

When the beautiful but headstrong Marietta (played by Lollobrigida) arrives in town seeking revenge against Halliday for the murder of her husband, she teams up with the idealistic and honest new sheriff, Ben Sadler (played by Mastroianni), to bring the corrupt lawmen to justice.

“The Law” is known for its beautiful cinematography and its themes of justice and morality, which were uncommon for westerns at the time.

The film also features a memorable score by Ennio Morricone, who would later become one of the most celebrated film composers of all time.

Despite receiving mixed reviews upon its release, “The Law” has since gained a cult following among fans of the western genre and is considered an important film in the careers of both Dassin and Lollobrigida.

12. Reunion in France (1942)

“Reunion in France” is a 1942 American romantic drama film directed by Jules Dassin and starring Joan Crawford and John Wayne.

The movie is set in Nazi-occupied Paris during World War II and explores the themes of love, sacrifice, and resistance.

Crawford plays Michele de la Becque, a Frenchwoman who falls in love with a wealthy American businessman named Robert Taylor (played by John Wayne).

When Michele learns that her fiancé, a resistance fighter, has been captured by the Nazis, she must decide whether to risk her own safety to help him or to turn a blind eye and focus on her own happiness with Taylor.

The film features beautiful and evocative cinematography that captures the mood and atmosphere of war-torn Paris.

It also offers a glimpse into the lives of the French resistance fighters and the dangers they faced as they fought against the Nazis.

“Reunion in France” was released during a time when America was still neutral in the war and was criticized by some for its depiction of the French people as passive and in need of American intervention.

However, the film was praised for its strong performances and its portrayal of the difficult choices faced by those living under occupation.

Overall, “Reunion in France” is an engaging and emotionally charged film that offers a unique perspective on World War II and the human experience during times of war and conflict.

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Reunion in France (DVD)
  • Factory sealed DVD
  • John Wayne, Joan Crawford (Actors)
  • Jules Dassin (Director)
  • English, French (Subtitles)
  • Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)

3 Characteristics of Jules Dassin Films

Jules Dassin was a versatile filmmaker who directed films in various genres throughout his career. Here are three characteristics that are often present in his films:

Social commentary: Dassin’s films often contained social commentary, highlighting issues such as poverty, injustice, and corruption.

He often explored the darker aspects of society, and his films often had a critical perspective on social issues.

Stylistic flourishes: Dassin was known for his stylish and inventive approach to filmmaking. He often used unusual camera angles, creative editing techniques, and unconventional storytelling methods to create a distinctive visual style.

Strong performances: Dassin was skilled at working with actors and getting strong performances out of them.

He often cast actors who were not well-known at the time and helped to launch their careers. His films often feature memorable performances from actors who bring depth and nuance to their roles.

3 Reasons Why You Should Watch Jules Dassin Films

Innovative storytelling: Jules Dassin was known for his innovative storytelling techniques, which helped to push the boundaries of cinema.

He was particularly adept at weaving together multiple narratives and using flashbacks and non-linear storytelling to create complex and layered films.

Social commentary: Dassin’s films often dealt with social issues and provided insightful commentary on politics, culture, and the human condition.

His films tackled topics such as racism, fascism, and the struggle for civil rights, and he was known for his honest and unflinching portrayals of difficult subject matter.

Strong visuals: Dassin was also a master of visual storytelling, using camera angles, lighting, and other techniques to create powerful and memorable images on the screen.

His films often featured stunning location shots and striking cinematography, which helped to bring his stories to life in a unique and powerful way.

Best Jules Dassin Films – Wrapping Up

To wrap up, Jules Dassin was a talented and versatile filmmaker who left behind a legacy of outstanding films. Some of his best works include:

“Rififi” (1955) – A classic heist film that is widely regarded as one of the greatest examples of the genre.

“Night and the City” (1950) – A dark and intense film noir that explores the seedy underworld of wrestling in London.

“The Naked City” (1948) – A gritty crime drama that was shot on location in New York City and is known for its realistic portrayal of urban life.

“Thieves’ Highway” (1949) – A tense and suspenseful film about a war veteran who gets involved in the dangerous world of trucking.

“Brute Force” (1947) – A hard-hitting prison drama that explores themes of power, corruption, and oppression.

These films showcase Dassin’s unique style, his ability to craft compelling stories, and his talent for working with actors.

They are a testament to his contribution to the world of cinema and continue to inspire and entertain audiences today.