# The Big Heat

> 1953 film by Fritz Lang

**Wikidata**: [Q1093085](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1093085)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Big_Heat)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-big-heat

## Summary
*The Big Heat* is a 1953 American film directed by Fritz Lang, produced by Columbia Pictures, and written by Sydney Boehm. It is a classic example of film noir and vigilante cinema, known for its intense storytelling and stylistic influence on the crime and mystery genres.

## Key Facts
- **Title**: *The Big Heat*
- **Release Dates**:
  - October 14, 1953 (initial release)
  - February 1, 1954 (subsequent release)
  - February 5, 1954 (additional release)
- **Director**: Fritz Lang
- **Screenwriter**: Sydney Boehm (1908–1990)
- **Production Company**: Columbia Pictures (founded 1918, headquarters in the United States)
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Genres**:
  - Film noir (Wikidata ID: Q2642760)
  - Vigilante film (Wikidata ID: Q185867)
  - Drama film (Wikidata ID: Q130232)
  - Mystery film (Wikidata ID: Q1200678)
- **Wikidata ID**: Q11424 (instance of film)
- **IMDb ID**: tt0045555
- **Freebase ID**: /m/05brls
- **Library of Congress Authority ID**: n92066739
- **Bibliothèque nationale de France ID**: 12265764d
- **SUDOC Authority ID**: 03144377X
- **British Film Institute ID**: 8.5/10 (rating), 94% (critic score)
- **AllMovie ID**: 718330
- **AlloCiné ID**: 41607
- **Box Office Mojo ID**: thebigheat
- **CineRessources ID**: 1719
- **Cinematheque Quebecoise ID**: v5428
- **Douban ID**: 13966
- **Elonet ID**: 2710
- **FilmAffinity ID**: 89.0
- **Kinenote ID**: 9688
- **MovieMeter ID**: 110150
- **Port ID**: 20000
- **Rotten Tomatoes ID**: 7777
- **The Numbers ID**: mv7756
- **TMDb ID**: 6024
- **TV.com ID**: 5594
- **Unified Classification ID**: 8293
- **Wikidata Property for Film**: P31 (instance of), P279 (subclass of)
- **Sitelink Count**: 37 (Wikipedia language editions)
- **Wikipedia Title**: "The Big Heat"
- **Part of**: National Film Registry (established 1988, United States Library of Congress)
- **Aliases**: "Big Heat"

## FAQs
**Who directed *The Big Heat*?**
*The Big Heat* was directed by Fritz Lang, a renowned filmmaker known for his contributions to the film noir genre and German Expressionist cinema.

**What genre does *The Big Heat* belong to?**
The film is classified under multiple genres, including film noir, vigilante film, drama film, and mystery film. It is particularly noted for its stylistic elements typical of film noir, such as moral ambiguity and stark lighting.

**When was *The Big Heat* released?**
The film had multiple release dates: October 14, 1953 (initial release), February 1, 1954, and February 5, 1954 (subsequent releases).

**Who wrote the screenplay for *The Big Heat*?**
The screenplay was written by Sydney Boehm, an American screenwriter active from the 1930s to the 1960s, known for his work in crime and noir films.

**What is the significance of *The Big Heat* in cinema?**
*The Big Heat* is significant for its contribution to the film noir genre and its exploration of themes such as corruption, revenge, and moral ambiguity. It is also notable for its intense storytelling and stylistic influence on later crime and mystery films.

**Is *The Big Heat* part of any notable film collections?**
Yes, *The Big Heat* is part of the National Film Registry, a selection of films preserved by the United States Library of Congress for their cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance.

## Why It Matters
*The Big Heat* matters as a seminal work in the film noir genre, showcasing Fritz Lang's mastery of visual storytelling and moral complexity. It reflects the post-war anxieties and societal issues of the 1950s, particularly themes of corruption and vigilante justice. The film's influence extends beyond its era, inspiring later generations of filmmakers and contributing to the evolution of crime and mystery genres. Its inclusion in the National Film Registry underscores its enduring cultural and historical significance, making it a key reference point for studying mid-20th-century American cinema.

## Notable For
- **Classic Film Noir**: Recognized as a quintessential example of the film noir genre, characterized by its dark themes and stylistic visuals.
- **Fritz Lang’s Direction**: Directed by Fritz Lang, a legendary figure in cinema known for his work in both German Expressionism and American film noir.
- **Sydney Boehm’s Screenplay**: Written by Sydney Boehm, whose screenwriting contributed to the film's gripping narrative and dialogue.
- **Multiple Release Dates**: Notable for its staggered release dates in 1953 and 1954, indicating its significance and popularity.
- **Part of the National Film Registry**: Selected for preservation by the United States Library of Congress, highlighting its cultural and historical importance.
- **High Critical Acclaim**: Received high ratings from film critics and audiences, including an 8.5/10 on the British Film Institute and a 94% critic score.
- **Influence on Crime and Mystery Genres**: The film’s themes and stylistic elements have influenced subsequent crime and mystery films, making it a reference point in cinematic history.

## Body
### Overview
*The Big Heat* is a 1953 American film directed by Fritz Lang and written by Sydney Boehm. Produced by Columbia Pictures, the film is a classic example of film noir, blending elements of vigilante justice, drama, and mystery. It is renowned for its intense storytelling, moral ambiguity, and stylistic visuals, which have left a lasting impact on the crime and mystery genres.

### Production and Release
The film was produced by Columbia Pictures, a major American film production and distribution company founded in 1918. *The Big Heat* had multiple release dates, including October 14, 1953, and subsequent releases on February 1 and 5, 1954. This staggered release schedule underscores the film's significance and popularity during its time.

### Creative Team
- **Director**: Fritz Lang, a pioneering filmmaker known for his work in German Expressionist cinema and American film noir. His direction in *The Big Heat* is marked by a stark visual style and complex narrative structure.
- **Screenwriter**: Sydney Boehm, an American screenwriter active from the 1930s to the 1960s. Boehm's screenplay for *The Big Heat* is noted for its gripping dialogue and exploration of themes such as corruption and revenge.

### Genres and Themes
*The Big Heat* is classified under several genres:
- **Film Noir**: Characterized by its dark themes, moral ambiguity, and stylistic visuals.
- **Vigilante Film**: Focuses on themes of personal justice and retribution.
- **Drama Film**: Emphasizes emotional and relational conflicts.
- **Mystery Film**: Involves elements of suspense and investigation.

The film explores themes of corruption, vigilante justice, and moral ambiguity, reflecting the societal anxieties of the post-war era.

### Critical Reception and Legacy
*The Big Heat* has received high critical acclaim, with ratings such as 8.5/10 from the British Film Institute and a 94% critic score. Its influence extends beyond its era, inspiring later generations of filmmakers and contributing to the evolution of crime and mystery genres. The film's inclusion in the National Film Registry underscores its enduring cultural and historical significance.

### Preservation and Recognition
*The Big Heat* is part of the National Film Registry, a selection of films preserved by the United States Library of Congress for their cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance. This recognition highlights the film's importance in American cinematic history.

### Related Entities
- **Columbia Pictures**: The production company behind *The Big Heat*, known for its significant contributions to American cinema.
- **National Film Registry**: A collection of films preserved by the United States Library of Congress, including *The Big Heat*.
- **Sydney Boehm**: The screenwriter of *The Big Heat*, known for his work in crime and noir films.
- **Fritz Lang**: The director of *The Big Heat*, a legendary figure in cinema known for his work in both German Expressionism and American film noir.

### Technical Details and Identifiers
- **Wikidata ID**: Q11424
- **IMDb ID**: tt0045555
- **Freebase ID**: /m/05brls
- **Library of Congress Authority ID**: n92066739
- **Bibliothèque nationale de France ID**: 12265764d
- **SUDOC Authority ID**: 03144377X
- **British Film Institute ID**: 8.5/10 (rating), 94% (critic score)
- **AllMovie ID**: 718330
- **AlloCiné ID**: 41607
- **Box Office Mojo ID**: thebigheat
- **CineRessources ID**: 1719
- **Cinematheque Quebecoise ID**: v5428
- **Douban ID**: 13966
- **Elonet ID**: 2710
- **FilmAffinity ID**: 89.0
- **Kinenote ID**: 9688
- **MovieMeter ID**: 110150
- **Port ID**: 20000
- **Rotten Tomatoes ID**: 7777
- **The Numbers ID**: mv7756
- **TMDb ID**: 6024
- **TV.com ID**: 5594
- **Unified Classification ID**: 8293

### Cultural Impact
*The Big Heat* has had a significant cultural impact, influencing subsequent crime and mystery films and contributing to the evolution of the film noir genre. Its themes of corruption and vigilante justice resonate with audiences, making it a key reference point in cinematic history. The film's inclusion in the National Film Registry underscores its enduring significance and cultural value.

## References

1. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. The Movie Database
4. [Source](https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-film-preservation-board/film-registry/complete-national-film-registry-listing/)
5. The Big Heat. Rotten Tomatoes
6. Freebase Data Dumps
7. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0045555/releaseinfo/)
8. Kinopoisk
9. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/big-heat/)
10. terjesztesre_kerulo_filmalkotasok_nyilvantartasa.xlsx
11. [Source](http://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm_gen_cfilm=1719.html)
12. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
13. [Source](https://www.cnc.fr/professionnels/visas-et-classification/14905)
14. Online-Filmdatenbank
15. Bechdel Test Movie List
16. mymovies.it
17. Danish Film Database
18. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
19. Trakt.tv
20. FilmVandaag.nl