Touch of Evil

1958

"Corruption knows no borders, truth hides in shadows."

Also known as: 🇪🇸 ES: Sed de Mal^? 🇫🇷 FR: La Soif du Mal^? 🇵🇹 PT: A Marca da Maldade^? 🇯🇵 JA: 黒い罠^? 🇰🇷 KO: 검은 함정^? All international titles (14) →

Crime Thriller 111 min 7.9/10

Synopsis

Touch of Evil is a movie released in 1958.

In this gripping crime thriller, a seemingly simple bombing in a border town spirals into a labyrinth of corruption and moral ambiguity. When Mexican investigator Miguel Vargas, portrayed with intensity and depth, is drawn into the investigation, he quickly finds himself at odds with the cynical and corrupt Captain Hank Quinlan. Their clash is not just a battle for justice; it's a visceral confrontation between integrity and deceit, as Quinlan's dark tactics and Vargas's unwavering principles collide in a high-stakes game of power. Renowned for its atmospheric cinematography and compelling narrative, this film dives deep into themes of justice, betrayal, and the human condition, offering viewers a haunting exploration of morality in a world rife with corruption. The intricate web of deception and the slow unraveling of truth keep audiences on the edge of their seats, while the stellar performances bring the complex characters to life. With its iconic opening shot and a narrative that challenges perceptions of right and wrong, this film remains a timeless classic that captivates both genre enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.

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Parental Guide — Suitable for 13+

13+

Content guidance for parents

Category	Level	Indicator
Violence	4/5
Sexual Content	2/5
Language	3/5
Drugs / Alcohol	2/5
Frightening Elements	3/5

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Detailed explanations

Violence

The film contains intense scenes of violence, including physical confrontations and the aftermath of violent acts that may be unsettling to some viewers.

Sexual Content

There are some suggestive situations and innuendos, but explicit sexual content is minimal.

Language

Strong language is used throughout the film, including profanity that may not be suitable for younger audiences.

Drugs / Alcohol

There are instances of alcohol consumption depicted, and references to drug use, but these are not a central focus of the film.

Frightening Elements

The film contains suspenseful and tense scenes that may be frightening for younger viewers, including crime-related themes.

Summary for parents:

Touch of Evil is a film that explores themes of corruption and morality within a crime drama framework. Parents should be aware of the intense violence, strong language, and some suggestive content, making it more suitable for older teenagers and above.

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Connections with other movies

This movie has thematic and stylistic connections with the following productions:

Psycho

1960

Same Actor Charlton Heston

Ben-Hur

1959

Same Actor Charlton Heston

The Godfather

1972

Similar Theme

Shelter

2026

Similar Genre

Where to Watch Touch of Evil Online

All Streaming Services

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Box Office

Budget: $829,000

Revenue: $2,247,500

Profit $1,418,500

ROI +171.1% (2.7x)

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Cast of Touch of Evil

Charlton Heston

Ramon Miguel Vargas

Janet Leigh

Susan 'Susie' Vargas

Orson Welles

Police Captain Hank Quin…

Joseph Calleia

Police Sergeant Pete Men…

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See the complete cast and other films with these actors.

Keywords

#black and white 163 #investigation 85 #gangster 70 #hotel 50 #film noir 27 #brothel 12 #honeymoon 7 #usa–mexico border 7 #car bomb 7 #border 5

Production Companies

Universal International Pictures

Trivia & Fun Facts about Touch of Evil

6

• Orson Welles insisted on using deep focus cinematography to create a sense of realism, allowing viewers to see multiple layers of action in a single shot.

  Behind the Scenes ai

• The film opens with a long tracking shot that lasts for over three minutes, showcasing Welles's innovative approach to storytelling and camera work.

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• Charlton Heston, who played Miguel Vargas, was not of Mexican descent; his casting sparked discussions about representation in Hollywood at the time.

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• During a scene where Quinlan examines a crime scene, a police officer's badge is mistakenly shown as upside down, which was not noticed until later screenings.

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• Orson Welles's character, Hank Quinlan, has been compared to other morally ambiguous characters in film noir, linking 'Touch of Evil' to the broader genre's themes of corruption and justice.

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• The film's score, composed by Henry Mancini, was notable for its use of jazz elements, which helped define the film's tense and atmospheric mood.

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