Criss Cross (1949) Watch Online Free

Criss Cross (1949) Watch Online

Criss Cross (1949) Watch Online Free

Director: Robert Siodmak
Year: 1949 Rating: 76
Genres: Crime, Thriller

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.

Main Themes in Criss Cross (1949)

  1. Fatalism and Inescapable Fate: The film portrays a world where characters are unable to escape their past actions and desires. Steve’s return to Anna and his involvement in the heist exemplify the noir theme of individuals being trapped by their own choices and circumstances.
  2. Betrayal and Deception: Anna’s betrayal of Steve highlights the destructive power of deceit. Her actions lead to a series of tragic events, emphasizing the theme that betrayal can have irreversible consequences.
  3. Obsession and Desire: Steve’s obsessive love for Anna blinds him to the dangers surrounding her, leading him to make choices that ultimately result in his downfall. This theme explores how unchecked desire can cloud judgment and lead to self-destruction.
  4. Moral Ambiguity: The characters operate in a morally gray world, where distinctions between right and wrong are blurred. This ambiguity challenges viewers to question the nature of justice and the complexities of human behavior.

Impact of Criss Cross (1949)

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.

7 Reasons to Watch Criss Cross (1949)

  1. Compelling Narrative Structure: The film’s use of flashbacks and non-linear storytelling keeps viewers engaged, gradually revealing the complexities of Steve’s life and the circumstances leading to his tragic end.
  2. Stellar Performances: Burt Lancaster’s portrayal of Steve and Yvonne De Carlo’s role as Anna are standout performances that bring depth and authenticity to their characters, making them memorable figures in film history.
  3. Atmospheric Cinematography: The film’s black-and-white cinematography, with its high-contrast lighting and shadow play, creates a moody and suspenseful atmosphere that is quintessential to the film noir aesthetic.
  4. Exploration of Complex Themes: Criss Cross delves into themes of fate, betrayal, and moral ambiguity, offering a thought-provoking experience that challenges viewers to reflect on the darker aspects of human nature.
  5. Influential Film Noir Elements: As a seminal work in the film noir genre, it introduces and exemplifies key elements such as the femme fatale, the anti-hero, and the fatalistic worldview, influencing countless films that followed.
  6. Engaging Pacing: The film maintains a brisk pace, with each scene contributing to the unfolding mystery, ensuring that viewers remain captivated from start to finish.
  7. Cultural Significance: Recognized for its impact on cinema, Criss Cross is a must-watch for film enthusiasts interested in classic cinema and the evolution of the film noir genre.

How Will You Feel After Watching Criss Cross (1949)?

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.