Dark City (1950 film)

Dark City is a 1950 American film noir directed by William Dieterle and starring Charlton Heston (in his film debut), Lizabeth Scott, and Burt Lancaster. The film tells the story of Danny Haley (Heston), a gambler who becomes the target of a group of ruthless killers seeking money they believe he won in a poker game.

The plot revolves around the increasingly desperate attempts by the criminals, led by the unsettling Francis Scalise (Jack Webb), to track down the winners of a fixed poker game and retrieve their "rightful" share of the winnings. As the bodies pile up, Haley finds himself increasingly entangled in the web of violence and forced to clear his name while protecting himself and others.

The film is notable for its stark black and white cinematography, its suspenseful atmosphere, and its depiction of the seedy underbelly of city life. It features tense confrontations, a compelling mystery, and showcases early performances from Heston and Webb, demonstrating their talent for portraying complex characters. Dark City is considered a classic example of film noir.