Kiss of Death is a film noir directed by Henry Hathaway and written by Ben Hecht and Charles Lederer based on an Eleazar Lipsky novel. The plot centers around Victor Mature’s character, an ex-con, and Tommy Udo, his old partner-in-crime (Richard Widmark in his first film). Coleen Gray made her first appearance in the film, which also starred Brian Donlevy. Since its premiere, the picture has earned positive reviews and two Academy Award nominations.
Kiss of Death is based on a true story by Lawrence Blaine, a former district attorney. It was purchased by 20th Century Fox particularly for Victor Mature in November 1946.
A small-time thief Nick Bianco is caught in a jewel heist and, despite the best efforts of well-intentioned district attorney D’Angelo, refuses to inform on his accomplices and goes to jail, certain that his wife and children will be taken care of. Nick informs on his ex-pals and is paroled after learning that his despondent wife has committed herself.
When Nick hears that one of the guys he informed on, psychotic killer Tommy Udo, has been released from custody and is out for revenge against Nick and his family, he remarries, gets a job, and starts living a happy life.
Kiss of Death was filmed from March to May 1947, with additional scenes recorded in June. The Chrysler Building, the Criminal Courts Building at 100 Centre Street, the ancient Hotel Marguery at 270 Park Avenue at 48th Street, the St. Nicholas Arena, and the now-demolished Bronx House of Detention for Men at 151st Street and River Avenue were all used as realistic sets for the filming.
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