The Asphalt Jungle (1950) WR Burnett, John Huston, Sterling Hayden, James Whitmore, & Marilyn Monroe

Book Vs. Movie: The Asphalt Jungle
The W.R. Burnett Novel & the 1950 John Huston Film

W.R. Burnett’s 1949 novel The Asphalt Jungle is a compelling crime story that explores the minds, motivations, and downfalls of professional criminals. Set in a Midwestern city, it offers a multi-perspective narrative that vividly portrays the underworld. John Huston’s 1950 film adaptation remains faithful to the book while enhancing the story with striking cinematography and strong performances. However, it shifts the setting to an unnamed urban landscape and introduces Marilyn Monroe's expanded role as a corrupt lawyer's mistress. Between the novel & the film, which did we prefer? Listen to find out!

 In this ep, the Margos discuss:

• Author W.R Burnett and Film Noir of the 40s and 50s 
• The work of John Huston
• The differences between the book and movie
• The cast includes Sterling Hayden (Dix Handley,) Louis Calhern (Alonzo D. Emmerich,) James Whitmore (Gus Minissi,) Jean Hagen (Doll Conovan,) Sam Jaffe (Doc Erwin,) John McIntire (Hardy,) Marc Lawrence (Cobby,) Barry Kelley (Lt. Dietrich,) Anthony Caruso (Louis Ciavelli,) Marilyn Monroe (Angela Phinlay,) and Teresa Celli as Maria Ciavelli. 

Clips Featured:

• “The Job”
• “The Asphalt Jungle” (1950 trailer)
• “Sweet Kid”
• “Play Some Music”
• “A Double Cross”
• “Hoodlums”
• Music by Miklos Rozsa

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