Burglar, The

Burglar, The is a gripping film-noir that perfectly blends crime-drama and gritty suspense. The film stands out due to its captivating storytelling, brooding visuals, and stellar performances from the lead actors Dan Duryea and Jayne Mansfield. Released in the mid-20th century, the movie's complex narrative and noir ambiance encapsulate the cinematic style of its era while still maintaining a timeless, universal appeal.

The movie follows the life of Nat Harbin, a role impeccably portrayed by Dan Duryea. Nat is a seasoned and unusually cerebral burglar with an intricate moral compass. Living his life one theft at a time, Nat navigates the gritty underbelly of crime with a unique code of ethics, often preferring not to resort to violence and maintaining a cloak of anonymity to detach himself from his questionable profession.

However, his life takes a dramatic turn when he spots a priceless necklace, a temptation too high to resist. The necklace, owned by a ridiculously wealthy spiritualist, promises enough wealth to quit his life on the wrong side of the law forever. The allure of such a possession leads him and his gang to meticulously plan and execute the burglary, but not without some rush of anxiety and apprehension about what the future holds.

Jayne Mansfield plays Gladden, an alluring but innocent young woman who – being a part of Nat's gang - finds herself entangled in this perilous world of crime. Apart from her involvement in the burglary plan, Gladden also shares a complex relationship with Nat - a relationship which is more familial than romantic. Her character and her relationship with Nat add an extra layer of emotional depth to the narrative, making it more than just a crime story.

The movie masterfully incorporates elements of suspense, fear, and trepidation into its narrative - the viewers find themselves on the edge of their seats, anxiously waiting to see if the burglary will be successful or if it will lead to their downfall. The film captures the anticipation and risk that are inherent in the life of crime, emphasizing the consequences that Nat and his gang could face for their actions.

Burglar, The is not just a tale about the heist but also offers a deep exploration into the psychology of the criminals. The audience gets a glimpse into Nat's mind, his reservations, his fears, and his desires. Despite his vocation, we see his humanity, and we begin to question the line between good and evil, between legality and injustice, between what's right and what's necessary.

The brilliance of the narrative is enhanced by the outstanding performance of the cast, especially the lead duo. Dan Duryea brilliantly portrays the troubled protagonist, Nat, with shades of gray, while Jayne Mansfield as Gladden illuminates the screen every time she appears with her charm and innocence. Together they weave a narrative that is as compelling as it is suspenseful.

The direction, the atmospheric cinematography, and the subtly simmering tension all contribute to the unforgettable film-noir ambiance. The film is as visually stunning as it is thematically profound - the dark, shadowed settings perfectly reflecting the shady world of the characters.

In summary, Burglar, The is a film noir classic, a thought-provoking drama that combines the thrill and anticipation of a heist with an exploration of its characters' complex psychology. With compelling performances by Dan Duryea and Jayne Mansfield, a gripping narrative, and a timeless commentary on good, evil, and the gray areas in between, the film is a must-watch for fans of the genre and cinema in general. It stands as a testament to the filmmaking style of its era while offering a narrative that is universally appealing.