Criss Cross (1949) in Color — Starring Burt Lancaster & Yvonne De Carlo

Criss Cross (1949) — Buy This Classic in Color

Robert Siodmak’s 1949 film noir Criss Cross is a taut, atmospheric crime thriller that ranks among the finest of the genre. Starring Burt Lancaster as a man trapped by love and fate, alongside Yvonne De Carlo and Dan Duryea, the film follows a heist plot that spirals into betrayal and violence. Set against the gritty streets of Los Angeles, its shadowy visuals and coiled performances have made it a cult favorite. Now, you can experience this noir masterpiece in vivid color, with restored period details that bring the story to life. Own this classic movie in color as a DRM-free MP4 digital download for just €15.00.

Plot Summary

Steve Thompson (Burt Lancaster) returns to Los Angeles after a failed attempt to start anew, drawn back to the city and to his ex-wife, Anna (Yvonne De Carlo). Despite knowing she is dangerous, Steve cannot resist her. Anna is now involved with Slim Dundee (Dan Duryea), a ruthless gangster who runs a local nightclub. Steve’s obsession with Anna leads him to accept a job driving an armored car for Dundee’s crew, a decision that sets the stage for disaster.

The armored car heist is meticulously planned, but Steve’s personal entanglements fray the operation. Slim suspects Steve’s motives, and Anna plays both men against each other. The robbery itself is a tense, brilliantly staged sequence—a hallmark of Siodmak’s direction. Steve’s role as inside man puts him in constant danger, and the film’s noir atmosphere thickens as the police close in.

After the heist, the money must be hidden, but trust is nonexistent. Steve tries to protect Anna, but she is more loyal to Slim—or to herself. The film’s second half accelerates into a spiral of double-crosses. Steve’s plan to escape with the cash and Anna unravels as Slim tightens his grip. The climax takes place at a deserted beach house, where the final confrontation answers a crucial question: can love survive when every move is a lie?

Cast & Crew

Director: Robert Siodmak
Stars: Burt Lancaster, Yvonne De Carlo, Dan Duryea, Stephen McNally, Esy Morales

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

Colorization of Criss Cross transforms the film’s visual palette, revealing the rich textures of 1940s Los Angeles—the neon-lit nightclubs, the worn suits, the flash of a gun. The professional color restoration is applied with period accuracy, making the costumes and sets pop without losing the grit of the original. Seeing Anna’s red dress or the amber glow of a cigarette in a dim bar deepens the emotional impact of each scene. The film is carefully colourised to preserve the chiaroscuro lighting that defines noir, while still bringing new life to the frame. This version allows modern audiences to see the performances of Lancaster, De Carlo, and Duryea with fresh eyes. Buy the DRM-free download for €15.00 and enjoy this classic film in color instantly.

Historical Significance

Criss Cross is a landmark of film noir, directed by Robert Siodmak, a master of the genre who also helmed The Killers (1946). Shot in stark black and white, the film used deep focus and low-key lighting to create a world of moral ambiguity. Its opening sequence—a tracking shot through a nightclub—became famous for its fluid camera and evocative mood. The film was a modest success upon release, but its reputation grew over decades, influencing later heist movies and neo-noir works.

Burt Lancaster gives a vulnerable, driven performance as Steve Thompson, a departure from the heroic roles he often played. Yvonne De Carlo’s Anna is one of cinema’s great femme fatales: calculating, sensual, and ultimately tragic. Dan Duryea’s Slim Dundee is a snarling, iconic villain. The film’s script, written by Daniel Fuchs from a novel by Don Tracy, weaves a tight narrative of obsession and betrayal. Criss Cross remains a critical favorite, cited by directors like Martin Scorsese. Colorization brings this classic to new audiences, making its visual richness accessible to those who may not respond to monochrome.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 / MKV digital download
• Resolution: HD 720p
• Colorized: Professionally colorized from original black and white
• Audio: English original mono
• Runtime: 88 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes — watch on any device
• Instant download: Available immediately after purchase
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Was Criss Cross originally filmed in color?
A: No, the film was shot in black and white in 1949. This download offers a later professional colorized restoration, not a studio color release.

Q: Is the music in Criss Cross a key part of the atmosphere?
A: Yes, the film features a memorable score by Miklós Rózsa, and the nightclub scenes include authentic Latin music performed by Esy Morales, adding to the smoky, tense mood.

Q: How does the colorization affect the famous opening tracking shot?
A: The colorization preserves the fluid camera movement and the contrasting lights of the nightclub, making the color version of that shot feel even more immersive with period-correct hues.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as MP4 and MKV files that play on virtually any device.

Q: Is there DRM on the file?
A: No. The download is completely DRM-free so you can watch it on any device without restrictions.

Q: How quickly can I watch after purchase?
A: Your download link is available instantly after payment, so you can start watching within minutes.

Related Colorized Classics

• Devotion (1946)
• The Little Colonel (1935)
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• Jimmy the Gent (1934)
• The Train (1964)