The U.S.-Mexico border is the backdrop of this textbook noir written and directed by the legendary Orson Welles. A product of its time, the film features Charlton Heston as Mexican prosecutor Miguel Vargas. The film opens with an astounding long take sequence that showcases Welles’ directorial talent and his camera crew’s skill, ending with a bomb going off at the border. Vargas is in the area, honeymooning with his American wife, played by Janet Leigh, and becomes involved in the investigation. He immediately butts heads with police captain Hank Quinlan (Orson Welles), who Vargas suspects is corrupt. A game of cat and mouse ensues between Quinlan and Vargas as the latter tries to achieve justice in a broken system while also balancing the demands and safety of his new bride. Like any good noir, justice is ultimately served, sort of. — Lisa Elliott
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