by George Jobson

Jun 5, 2002

"Touch of Evil" is directed by Olsen Welles, the same director who directed the greatest movie of the 20th Century, "Citzen Kane."

"Touch of Evil" is film noir with an edge. A cult classic that is years ahead of its time. Many of today's directors including the Coen Brothers had paid homage to the film's vision, which is considered by many, including me as a classic.

The film is tough and gritty and it doesn't take prisoners. A Mexican narcotics agent name Mike Vargas became involved in a murder case, which is located in a small border town. He is played by Charlton Heston. Janet Leigh played his faithful wife Susan.

One of my favorite scenes in which a leather-clad gang entered Leigh's room and they ganged up on her. The movie studio, Universal Pictures, never got behind the film and it became a comerical failure. "Touch of Evil" was Welles' last American movie. But a new version of the film was re-released a few years ago to rave reviews. I saw the movie recently on AMC and I though it was great movie. "Touch of Evil" may not be as good as "Citzen Kane," but like Kane, it is a classic that stood the test of time.