The Burglar

The 1957 classic movie, The Burglar, is a story centered around crime, desperation, and the inescapable impact of the human frailty for greed. Expertly led by the electrifying performances of Dan Duryea, Jayne Mansfield, and Martha Vickers, the film is a gripping blend of crime, noir, and drama that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

Dan Duryea masterfully embodies the character of Nat Harbin, a seasoned burglar with a heart. Duryea's portrayal is the very essence of nuanced acting and restrained expression, as he navigates Harbin's wavering moral compass with subtle mastery adding an emotional depth to his character. His performance delivers a powerful portrayal of a man walking the fine line between crime and humanity.

Jayne Mansfield, impressively, subverts her typical blonde bombshell image to deliver an emotionally rich portrayal of Gladden, Harbin's sister, and active participant in his criminal endeavours. Mansfield delivers an unexpectedly riveting performance which, combined with her incredible on-screen chemistry with Duryea, makes her character Gladden both engaging and critical to the overall narrative.

Moreover, Martha Vickers delivers a captivating performance as Della, another member of Harbin's skilled band of thieves. Vickers showcases a phenomenal range and depth of emotions that make her character intriguingly shaded and integral to the story's development.

The narrative of The Burglar begins when Harbin and his competent crew of bandits, enacts a meticulously planned theft of a valuable necklace from a wealthy spiritualist's residence. The burglary is successfully executed without any hindrance, and the crew disperses, planning to remain under the radar until the initial heat of the robbery has cooled down.

However, their plan takes an unexpected downturn when a newsreel cameraman inadvertently films them at the scene, putting them in the crosshairs of various suspicious and dangerous entities. As the plot unfolds, the crew attempts to maintain a low-profile, while handling unexpected risks, betrayals, diverting roadblocks, and the relentless pursuit of those now on their trail.

The film delves into the harsh realities of life on the wrong side of the law, with complexities and consequences breathing life into the narrative. The suspense is palpitably felt via the crew's anxiety as they juggle with the fear of capture and inherent disillusionment with their chosen path. As pressures mount and situations become life-threatening, each character's vulnerabilities and aspirations are laid bare in a twist of events that engages the audience wholly.

The screenplay, penned by the innovative David Goodis, does an impeccable job at developing tension throughout the story. The dialogues are smart and sparklingly cryptic, matching the overall dark, suspenseful tone of the film. However, it is Goodis's ability to create deeply flawed yet endearing characters that is the film’s crowning jewel.

The director, Paul Wendkos, demonstrates a solid understanding of the genre's subtleties and conventions and uses them to magnificent effect. His ability to maintain a high level of suspense throughout the movie, paired with the use of lighting and camera angles, contributes to the film's overall sense of anxiety and unease.

The Burglar is also commendable for its use of atmospherics – dim lighting and tight shots build up an environment of tension, while the sets and wardrobe contribute to an authentic and visually atmospheric 1950s setting.

The music, composed by Sol Kaplan, also plays a crucial role in setting the film's tone, its tense beats, and ominous melodies accentuating the onscreen drama, and giving viewers an immersive audio experience that complements the visual narrative.

The Burglar is not a mere game of cat and mouse but a profound examination of human nature and the destructive power of desire. The film intricately weaves a tale of suspense and drama that progressively delves into the human aspect of these flawed characters. By daring to humanize its anti-heroes, the film challenges its audience to empathize with characters living life on society's edges.

In conclusion, The Burglar is a riveting cinematic experience. Despite its release over six decades ago, it retains its captivating charm in the present day, owing largely to its powerful performances, formidable direction, compelling storyline, and the timeless theme of human struggle against desire and circumstances. A must-watch for lovers of classic noir and crime-drama.