Synopsis
'Force of Evil' (1948) is a noir crime drama set in 1940s New York. It follows Joe Morse, a lawyer who finds himself torn between his lucrative but corrupt job involving his brother's illegal lottery business and his own moral compass.
Did You Know?
- Martin Scorsese cites 'Force of Evil' as a major influence.
- First film directed by Abraham Polonsky, later blacklisted during McCarthy Era.
- It was originally titled 'Tucker's People,' after the source novel.
- Selected for preservation by the National Film Registry in 1994.
- The film's strong social criticism was controversial upon its release.
Iconic Quotes
- There's a lot of law floating around this country.
- You're not a lawyer. You're a gangster!
- I buy cheap and I sell dear.
- I know what freedom is. I know what it is not.
- Every man wants to add something to life. A child, a book.
