This film was a rare second viewing for me. Rare these days, that is. I used to rewatch films often, but not so much now.

Samuel Fuller’s Pickup on South Street is a real class act that works on several levels. Despite being a film noir, that was actually made more than a decade after The Maltese Falcon, and that distance has helped Fuller to get a bit post-modern on the genre. There is a humour all through the picture that you just don’t see much of in those earlier noirs. The speed with which Candy falls in love with Skip, for example, is laughable, but you go with it considering you know you’re going to get paid off in spades later. But not in Sam Spades, considering that is Fuller’s world, and the detective can never be the guy you root for.

The plot revolves around some pickpocketed microfilm of US governmental secrets that is on its way to being sold to the Commies. Well, it’s 1953, folks, and the red threat was all around. But that isn’t really the point. The microfilm is the MacGuffin that drives the story. Don’t get me wrong — the story is slight, but what do you expect in 80 mins?

What you should expect is fun and

action and the subversive take that Fuller brings to all his pictures. Never one to shy away from the ugly truth, Fuller takes the Bogart-style slaps across women’s faces that are so commonplace in noir and shows us the deep bruising and swollen jaws that follow. The wide-angle tracking shot that Fuller uses to shoot the brawl amoung Candy and her traitor boyfriend Joey is a real eye-opener. It’s brief, but in these days of fast cutting and close-ups and half the instance not having a clue where you’re supposed to be looking, that approach looks as fresh now as it did next. Gritty and real. A true tussle unfolding before you in real date.

Aaahh, you know, I liked that film. It’s not a great film, as I said, in terms of story, but it’s a simple tale brilliantly told and expertly made. whether you’re not familiar with Fuller’s work, pour yourself a Scotch on the rocks, get your best dame beside you, and check that out. Shit, even whether you like Fuller and you know that film well, why not pour yourself a Scotch on the rocks, get your best dame beside you, and check that out again?

What’s the scores on the doors, thereupon? I’ll give it 72 points.

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