Ace in the Hole (Wilder, 1951)

Ace in the Hole (Wilder, 1951) - TSPDT #580

A run-down news reporter tries to make it the best out of a story by meddling with events to accomodate his story.

Extremely well structured, and great dark humor. One of my favorite Wilder films I guess - it strikes an extremely interesting balance between fulfilling viewers expectations and then wandering off into completely unforeseen story twists. Examples are: The attack of the woman on Douglas, or, when he decides to get the priest (character turn), beating up the Sheriff, etc. Great shot of Douglas on the cliff, preaching to the people at the end.

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