Force of Evil

In the cinematic universe of the Black List, Force of Evil is arguably the best-known work, a guiding star against which other productions were measured. Abraham Polonsky’s directorial debut is one of the most scathing condemnations of capitalist greed that US cinema has ever produced. But Polonsky goes even further: capitalism is equated with crime, and the two are portrayed as mutually reinforcing forces. The ambitious lawyer Joe Morse (John Garfield) works on Wall Street for a gangster who wants to bring the city’s illegal gambling under his control. As Joe rises through the ranks, the situation of his brother – who is also involved in the betting business – becomes increasingly precarious. Polonsky was only able to direct his second film, *i* *Tell Them Willie Boy Is Here* , 21 years later, at the dawn of New Hollywood. (hb)