Victor Mature had no illusions about his acting; when he was rejected for membership to a golf club because he was an actor, he said, "I'm no actor, and I've got 65 movies to prove it." However unpretentious he was, when he was cast in the right role, he came off well, as he does here in the noir "Kiss of Death." Mature plays Nick Bianco, a con who becomes a stool pigeon for the D.A. (Brian Donlevy) so that he can get a parole and retrieve his kids from an orphanage. He marries a friend of his late wife's (Coleen Gray) and uses another name so that his kids won't be tainted by his old criminal life. It all goes well until he has to testify in court against Tommy Udo. Then his life and that of his family are in grave danger.

"Kiss of Death" is notable for being the auspicious debut of Richard Widmark, and few actors have had such a powerful introduction to an audience. As the sadistic Tommy Udo, Widmark's raw laugh and smirk are chill-inducing. His famous scene - maybe the most famous scene of his career, as well as being a famous scene, period - occurs when he throws an old woman in her wheelchair down a flight of stairs. And laughs. A fantastic performance.

The beautiful Coleen Gray plays Nettie, Nick's wife. Despite her looks and good acting, Gray never achieved big stardom, though she had some excellent roles. I wonder if she just wouldn't play ball with Zanuck. Now 89, she is an attractive woman who continues to make public appearances, usually at screenings of the film "Nightmare Alley." Here she's perfect as a loving, worried woman. She also narrates.

Mature gives a solid performance as Nick -- he was really in his métier here and in films like "I Wake Up Screaming," though he graduated (or was demoted) to beefcake roles in period pictures later on. He had the physique but he wasn't a great actor and somehow, it was more apparent in those movies.

I feel very privileged to have met and spoken with Coleen Gray and to have heard the remarkable Richard Widmark speak in person, so I have an affection for this film. Even if I didn't, it's still good and well worth seeing.

Although the film stars Victor Mature and he is excellent in film noir movies, many remember the movie NOT for him but for supporting actor Widmark. His over-the-top performance as the psychotic heavy was impossible NOT to notice!! The image of Widmark tying an old lady into a wheelchair and pushing her down the stairs while laughing maniacally is unforgettable!!! In an interview I saw with Widmark many years later, he swore that the older lady in that scene ACTUALLY took the tumble--it was no dummy in the wheelchair! With this much evil, it is obvious that bad guy turned good Mature must eventually have a show down with the psycho and his evil boss. While this isn't my favorite noir film, it's certainly ONE of the best and shouldn't be missed.

LOVED that psychotic laugh!!! Heee, heee, heee, heee, heee, heee!!!!!

Love film-noir and classic film, was really intrigued by the story (one of my favourite kinds of stories) and wanted to see how Richard Widmark's (an actor who specialised in playing villains and nasty characters) widely lauded film debut would fare. Will admit though to not being a big fan of Victor Mature, while not belonging in the deride camp that he tends to fall into.

'Kiss of Death' turned out to be a film that lived up to high expectations quite splendidly. Have seen some wastes of potential recently so seeing a film that doesn't in any way was a relief. Perhaps not quite exceeding them, but can totally see the appeal. Everything that 'Kiss of Death' has been especially noted for was obvious from start to finish and it is a good representation of why the genre and this kind of story appeals to me.

The romantic relationship did feel rushed for my liking. Also thought that the middle act dragged occasionally.

However, 'Kiss of Death' is rich in atmosphere, love the grit of the cinematography, the crispness of the editing and the authenticity of the locations. The music is used sparingly but fits well when used. Henry Hathaway directs in a way that always makes the film involving and suspenseful, not dumbing down anything and making the considered shocking content have full impact.

The script is taut and intelligent, as well as free of fat. The story never stops being suspenseful and what could have been an ordinary story turns into a work that is mature, tense and suspenseful, sometimes tragic, with the wheelchair/stairs scene that unsurprisingly shocked audiences at the time still one of the most shocking and iconic acts of evil on film.

Victor Mature's sympathetic performance is one of his best by a considerable degree, while Coleen Gray and Brian Donlevy (cast against type) are strong support. 'Kiss of Death' belongs though to Richard Widmark, his unforgettably frightening performance is not only one of the best film debuts ever but also one of the most evil incarnate psychopathic characters on film.

Overall, very good and worth seeing especially for Widmark. 8/10 Bethany Cox