Criss Cross (1949) Watch Online Free
Burt Lancaster plays Steve Thompson, a man who seals his dark fate when he returns to Los Angeles to find his ex-wife Anna Dundee (Yvonne DeCarlo) eager to rekindle their love against all better judgement. She encourages their affair but then quickly marries mobster Slim Dundee (Dan Duryea). To deflect suspicion of the affair, Steve Thompson leads Dundee into a daylight armored-truck robbery.
Criss Cross (1949), directed by Robert Siodmak, is a quintessential film noir that delves into themes of passion, betrayal, and the inescapable consequences of past actions. The narrative centers on Steve Thompson (Burt Lancaster), an armored car driver who returns to Los Angeles, seeking to rekindle his romance with his ex-wife, Anna (Yvonne De Carlo). Despite their divorce, Steve’s lingering affection for Anna leads him back into her life, only to discover that she is now married to the dangerous gangster Slim Dundee (Dan Duryea).
Steve’s desire to reunite with Anna blinds him to the perilous situation he is entering. He becomes entangled in a heist orchestrated by Anna and Slim, aiming to steal a substantial sum of money. The plan is meticulously executed, but the aftermath is tragic. Steve is wounded during the robbery and, in his weakened state, seeks refuge with Anna. However, Anna, driven by self-preservation and greed, betrays Steve, leading to his demise at the hands of Slim. The film concludes with a poignant and fatalistic ending, underscoring the themes of doomed love and the inescapability of fate.
Upon its release, Criss Cross received critical acclaim for its direction, screenplay, and performances. It was nominated for the Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best Motion Picture in 1950. The film’s success solidified its status as a classic in the film noir genre. In 2008, it was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.
After viewing Criss Cross, you may experience a sense of melancholy and introspection. The film’s exploration of fate and moral complexity leaves a lasting impression, prompting reflection on the darker facets of human nature. The tragic trajectory of Steve’s life and the film’s somber tone may evoke feelings of sadness and contemplation. The film’s open-ended conclusion may also leave you pondering the characters’ fates and the choices that led them there. Overall, Criss Cross offers a profound cinematic experience that resonates long after the credits roll.