Kiss of Death
film by Hathaway [1947]
Kiss of Death, American film noir, released in 1947, that is especially noted for the chilling performance by Richard Widmark in his screen debut. Nick Bianco (played by Victor Mature) decides to testify against his former mob cronies in order to win release from prison and be reunited with his family. The caveat is that he must reintegrate himself into the mob and risk his life to bring the top criminals to justice. He provides evidence against sadistic killer Tommy Udo (Widmark), but Udo is ultimately acquitted, which sets up a showdown between the two men. Widmark earned high praise ...(100 of 185 words)