The Killing (1956)

Johnny Clay (Sterling Hayden) is just out of prison and plans the heist of a racetrack, in order to make a “killing” of over two million dollars. Clay puts together a team that includes a collection of film noir icons: Elisha Cook Jr, Coleen Gray and Marie Windsor. Director Kubrick, who also wrote the screenplay, was near beginning his incredible career and would later create such masterpieces as 2001: A Space Odyssey. His visual flair, however, is quite evident in this film. Directed by Stanley Kubrick (84 minutes).