Pickup on South Street Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A pickpocket accidentally steals Communist secrets, punches a lady, and somehow ends up saving America from… ties?

🍿 Pickup on South Street: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Subway Heist

On a crowded New York City subway, Skip McCoy, a seasoned pickpocket, expertly steals Candy’s purse. Unbeknownst to him, the purse contains a microfilm with sensitive information. Federal agents are tailing Candy, as she is a courier for a communist spy ring, planning to deliver the film.

The Hunt Begins

Candy discovers her purse is missing and reports to her contact, Joey. Meanwhile, the FBI enlists Captain Dan Tiger of the NYPD to identify the pickpocket. The police informant, Moe Williams, identifies Skip to the authorities and Candy, both of whom begin to pursue him independently. Skip soon realizes the value of the microfilm.

Love and Betrayal

Candy tracks down Skip, attempting to retrieve the microfilm, but an attraction sparks between them. She learns about Joey’s communist affiliations and starts to question her loyalties. As Candy and Skip grow closer, Joey and his associates become increasingly desperate and dangerous, leading to violence and betrayal.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Skip McCoy (Richard Widmark): A cocky, three-time loser pickpocket who inadvertently steals a valuable microfilm sought by both the FBI and Communist spies.
• Candy (Jean Peters): A former prostitute and courier who is carrying a microfilm for her ex-boyfriend, and finds herself falling for the pickpocket who stole it.
• Moe Williams (Thelma Ritter): A weary, streetwise informant who provides information to both the police and Candy, and dreams of a respectable burial.
• Joey (Richard Kiley): Candy’s communist ex-boyfriend, who becomes increasingly desperate and violent in his attempts to retrieve the stolen microfilm.
• Police Captain Dan Tiger (Murvyn Vye): A determined police captain using informants to track down criminals, including Skip McCoy, to recover the microfilm.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Skip McCoy: “Are you waving the flag at me?” – Skip’s sarcastic response to the FBI’s appeal to his patriotism, highlighting his cynical nature.
• Moe Williams: “If I was to be buried in Potter’s Field, it’d just about kill me.” – Moe’s poignant statement about her fear of a pauper’s burial, revealing her vulnerability and desire for respect.
• Moe Williams: “Even in my crummy business, you gotta draw the line somewhere.” – Moe’s refusal to deal with Joey, showing that even criminals have a moral code.
• Candy: “What’s the matter, Joey? You’re talking’ like it’s HOT.” – Candy challenges Joey on his nervousness about the missing micro film.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $780,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Pickup on South Street Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so *Pickup on South Street* isn’t just a great film, it’s a FEELING! From the sweaty subway scene to the showdown in the docks, I was hooked. Richard Widmark just oozes cool, even when he’s being a total jerk, and Thelma Ritter… oh man, she just breaks your heart. The way she says ‘If I was to be buried in Potter’s Field, it’d just about kill me’ has stuck with me for days. The whole thing is just dark, gritty, and perfect.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic film noir”
  • “Viewers interested in Cold War thrillers”
  • “Admirers of Richard Widmark, Jean Peters, and Thelma Ritter”
  • “Those who enjoy gritty, urban crime dramas”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Suggestive themes”
  • “Gun violence”
  • “Mild language”
  • “Thematic elements related to espionage and communism”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “A taut and suspenseful thriller, *Pickup on South Street* masterfully captures the grit and desperation of Cold War-era New York. Widmark’s portrayal of a ruthless pickpocket is mesmerizing, and Ritter’s performance is heartbreaking.
• Variety: “Fuller’s direction is sharp and unrelenting, crafting a compelling film noir experience. *Pickup on South Street* delivers an exciting and gritty tale of espionage, betrayal, and unlikely alliances. Thelma Ritter elevates the film and shines in a supporting role.
• AllMovie: “*Pickup on South Street* is a masterclass in noir filmmaking, showcasing Samuel Fuller’s raw and visceral style. Richard Widmark is perfectly cast as the cynical anti-hero, and Jean Peters delivers a compelling performance as the conflicted Candy.

Audience Reactions

Thelma Ritter’s performance as Moe is absolutely iconic and unforgettable.: Viewers praise Thelma Ritter’s nuanced and moving portrayal of Moe, the world-weary informant.

Richard Widmark perfectly embodies the tough, cynical anti-hero of film noir.: Many loved Richard Widmark’s gritty and commanding presence.

Overall Consensus: A classic film noir praised for its gritty atmosphere, strong performances, and suspenseful plot.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Supporting Actress)- 1953

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Samuel Fuller clashed with the FBI during production, particularly J. Edgar Hoover, who objected to the film’s portrayal of a pickpocket as more patriotic than a communist.”
• “The film was shot in just 20 days on a relatively low budget for a studio picture, showcasing Fuller’s efficiency and ability to work under pressure.”
• “The opening scene of the purse snatch on the subway was filmed with a hidden camera to capture the authentic reactions of unsuspecting commuters.”
• “The love theme, “Again,” was originally introduced by Ida Lupino in the noir film ‘Road House,’ which also starred Richard Widmark.”

🖥️ How to Watch Pickup on South Street?

Currently, ‘Pickup on South Street’ can be streamed on platforms like Criterion Channel (subscription required). It is often available for purchase or rental on digital platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your preferred digital retailer for current availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Pickup on South Street, you might like these similar films:

• The Asphalt Jungle (1950): Features a meticulously planned crime gone wrong, showcasing the dark underbelly of urban life.
• Kiss Me Deadly (1955): Another Cold War noir involving a dangerous MacGuffin and morally ambiguous characters.
• The French Connection (1971): A gritty crime thriller with a focus on street-level police work and morally compromised individuals, sharing a similar sense of urban realism.
• Underworld U.S.A. (1961): Also directed by Samuel Fuller, this film continues exploring criminal underworld with rawness and unflinching realism.

🛒 Pickup on South Street Related Products

• Pickup on South Street (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A digitally restored edition of the film, featuring insightful commentary, interviews, and behind-the-scenes content that enhance the viewing experience for cinephiles.
• Thelma Ritter: Complete Performances: A collection of Thelma Ritter’s most iconic performances.
• 1950s Men’s Fedora Hat Gangster Fedora Hat Manhattan Fedora (Black, M): Retro Fedora Hat, 1950s style like Richard Widmark
• Film Noir: The Dark Side of Hollywood: A guide to film noir that has Pickup on South Street on it’s list.

🎧 Soundtrack

Pickup on South Street features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Again” – performed by Lionel Newman

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Samuel Fuller Interview 1/2

Ever wonder what the director was *really* thinking during the making of ‘Pickup on South Street’? This rare interview with Samuel Fuller is pure gold, especially with Richard Schickel asking the questions. Seriously, you’ll feel like you’re right there on set with them!

✨ Rate