Orson Welles - Touch of Evil (1958) - [Restored Version]

Master filmmaker Orson Welles opens TOUCH OF EVIL with what may be the greatest single shot ever put on film. This version is the version who restored this shot to Orson Welles' Vision. Narc (Heston) and corrupt cop (Welles) tangle over murder investigation in sleazy Mexican border town, with Heston's bride (Leigh) the pawn of their struggle. Fantastic, justifiably famous opening shot merely commences stylistic masterpiece, dazzlingly photographed by Russell Metty. Great Latin rock score by Henry Mancini; neat unbilled cameos by Joseph Cotten, Ray Collins, and especially Mercedes McCambridge.






An automobile is blown up as it crosses the Mexican border into the United States. Mike Vargas, a high ranking Mexican narcotics official on honeymoon with his bride Susie is drawn into the investigation because a Mexican national has been accused of the crime. The figurative and physical presence of Hank Quinlan as the 330 pound sheriff looms all over. Quinlan is a fanatic where "justice" is concerned, even if obtaining it involves planting evidence. Quinlan's reputation for law and order enables him to bend the law without question until Vargas confronts him. From that point on, it's a battle of wits between the two that, with an accelerating pace, rushes to a climax.





Director: Orson Welles

Screenwriter: Orson Welles
based on the novel "Badge of Evil" by Whit Masterson

Editor: Virgil W. Vogel
Aaron Stell

Cinematographer: Russell Metty

Music director: Joseph Gershenson

Composer: Henry Mancini



Performer:

Charlton Heston
Janet Leigh
Orson Welles
Joseph Calleia
Akim Tamiroff
Valentin de Vargas
Ray Collins
Dennis Weaver
Joanna Moore
Mort Mills
Marlene Dietrich
Victor Milian
Lalo Rios