The Asphalt Jungle

(John Huston, US 1952, 112 min., 35mm)

War, Myth, Desire. John Huston’s gripping and grim heist drama is still a real pulse-pounder. Our sort-of hero is ex-con Sterling Hayden, a wayward thug hiding from the police on minor mugging charges. When he’s hired for a jewelry heist that goes wrong, he finds himself spiraling deeper into a web of double-crosses and violence. An inspiration to directors like Melville and Kubrick, this landmark in film history also sees Marilyn Monroe in her first significant screen role.

Also showing: Tuesday, August 28, 7:30 p.m.