IMDb 7.9 1956 HD

The Killing

The Killing

1956
Crime Thriller
85 min Approved USA
7.646 / 10
7.9 IMDB

Career criminal Johnny Clay recruits a sharpshooter, a crooked police officer, a bartender and a betting teller named George, among others, for one last job before he goes…

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Stanley Kubrick / Milton Carter / Mary Gibsone / Paul Feiner / Howard Joslin
Starring
Sterling Hayden / Coleen Gray / Vince Edwards / Jay C. Flippen / Ted de Corsia / Marie Windsor / Elisha Cook Jr. / Joe Sawyer

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

tense intricate classic cynical gripping betrayal flawed gritty suspenseful compelling sharp stark

Reviews

I
Isabelle Moreau
May 26, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

This is a heist film with a difference. 'The Killing' grips you from the outset with its focus on the meticulous planning of a daring racetrack robbery, led by a stoic Sterling Hayden. The ensemble cast is uniformly…

A
Arthur Pendelton
May 26, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

'The Killing' is a remarkably assured piece of cinema, particularly for its era. Sterling Hayden delivers a compelling performance as the pragmatic Johnny Clay, a man planning his exit strategy through one final, ambitious robbery. The film’s strength…

G
Genevieve Dubois
May 26, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

In 'The Killing', we witness a criminal enterprise unravel with chilling precision. Sterling Hayden leads a capable cast as Johnny Clay, the architect of a racetrack heist. The film excels in its depiction of the mechanics of the…

M
Marcus Bellwether
May 26, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

A tightly wound caper, 'The Killing' showcases a keen directorial eye for detail and atmosphere. Sterling Hayden embodies the weary criminal with a plan, radiating a quiet intensity. The supporting cast is a collection of memorable faces, each…

E
Eleanor Vance
May 26, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

Stanley Kubrick's early crime thriller 'The Killing' remains a masterclass in suspense and intricate plotting. Sterling Hayden anchors the film as Johnny Clay, a man determined to go straight after one last score. The ensemble cast effectively portrays…

FAQs

'The Killing' is recognised for its influence on the heist genre, particularly its non-linear narrative structure and cynical tone. It's often cited as an early example of a film that delves into the intricate mechanics of a crime while simultaneously exploring the flawed humanity and inevitable betrayals of its characters. Its gritty realism and focus on the consequences of criminal actions have resonated with filmmakers and audiences alike over the years.