The Big Combo

The Big Combo
Theatrical release poster
Directed byJoseph H. Lewis
Screenplay byPhilip Yordan
Produced bySidney Harmon
StarringCornel Wilde
Richard Conte
Brian Donlevy
Jean Wallace
CinematographyJohn Alton
Edited byRobert S. Eisen
Music byDavid Raksin
Color processBlack and white
Production
companies
Security Pictures
Theodora Productions
Distributed byAllied Artists Pictures
Release date
  • February 13, 1955 (1955-02-13)
Running time
88 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$500,000

The Big Combo is a 1955 American crime film noir directed by Joseph H. Lewis, written by Philip Yordan and photographed by cinematographer John Alton, with music by David Raksin. The film stars Cornel Wilde, Richard Conte and Brian Donlevy, as well as Jean Wallace, who was Wilde's wife at the time. The supporting cast features Lee Van Cleef, Earl Holliman and the final screen appearance of actress Helen Walker. The Big Combo received positive reviews from critics.

While the film's title cards feature a copyright claim, a notice was not properly filed. In 2007 the United States Copyright Office ultimately rejected the notice, leaving the film in the public domain.