The Burglar

The Burglar is a 1957 crime/thriller film released by Columbia Pictures, based on the 1953 novel of the same name by David Goodis (who also wrote the script). This low-budget film is now appreciated for being one of those extravagantly stylized late-period noirs, one which palpitates with flamboyant cinematic technique, thanks to the ability of Paul Wendkos (in his directing debut) to create many stunning edits (he is also credited as the film's editor), several strikingly composed shots, and a suitably seedy background under a clear Orson Welles reminiscence. However, the film remains somewhat unknown and mostly unavailable. The film also offers one of Jayne Mansfield's finest and serious performances. At first glance, Mansfield was unsuited for the role of Gladden, who is described in the novel as a waifish woman-child. However, Mansfield overcame this by underplaying the role wonderfully and adequately conveying the sense of helplessness (without Nat) and confusion that Gladden has...