Night and the City is an interesting entry in the film noir genre in that the central character has no redeeming qualities. Other noir anti-heroes, no matter how morally off-center they may be, always have some shred of redeemable attributes. But such qualities never really surface in Harry, who comes across as a hyperactive, spoiled child prone to fits of pouting. Widmark's portrayal of Harry as someone you can't stand makes for an interesting cinematic experience, as you begin to sympathize with those out to get him, and want to see him fail. When Harry is set up by his employer (Francis L. Sullivan), a sadistic nightclub owner jealous that his wife (Googie Withers) is carrying on with Fabian, there's no denying the feeling that he's got what's coming to him.

Based on Gerald Kersh's novel, with a beautifully written script by Jo Eisinger, Night and the City is a tightly woven tale of deception and betrayal. Directed by Dassin after he was blacklisted and left America during Hollywood's notorious "red scare," the film has a metaphorical tone, as Harry grows increasingly desperate while trying to survive in a world out to destroy him. Whether or not is was Dassin's intention to make a noir thriller that offered a veiled examination of McCarthyism is uncertain, but time has added that to the film's milieu.

Video:
Night and the City is presented in 1.33:1 from a newly restored high-definition transfer. The back and white photography of cinematographer Max Greene is crisp and clear.

Audio:
Night and the City is presented in monoaural.

Extras:
A fairly recent with director Jules Dassin and excerpts from a 1972 French interview are the two highlights of the bonus features found on the Night and the City disc. The 1972 interview includes Dassin talking about his earliest experiences as a director in Hollywood, while the contemporary interview focuses primarily on Night and the City. Film critic and scholar Glenn Erickson provides an informative audio commentary. The only complaint about Erickson's commentary is that it sounds like he's reading from a set of prepared notes. Clearly he knows a lot about the film, but there isn't much passion in what he's saying. Still, despite the somewhat dry nature of the commentary track, it still offers fascination insight and information into a beautiful film.