The Big Combo is a gripping gangster movie. Cornel Wilde is the tenacious cop determined to bring down a ruthless and sadistic mobster played by Richard Conte. Often overlooked, this movie is a fine example of the evocative film noir style that became so popular during the 40s and 50s. John Altons stylistic photography creates an atmosphere of harsh gritty reality that draws the viewer into a sordid underworld of crime, greed and murder.