Armed with a beautifully constructed screen play, John Huston has fashioned an exciting picture that avoids all the pitfalls of most crime movies.

The Asphalt Jungle is a study in crime, hard-hitting in its expose of the underworld. Ironic realism is striven for and achieved in the writing, production and direction.

This tale of a jewel theft gone wrong is notable for its gritty procedural detail and an emphasis on the inner lives of the small time crooks, expertly played by Sterling Hayden and Sam Jaffe.

John Huston’s trend-setting 1950 heist flick...