Touch of Evil

Touch of Evil by Richard Deming, published by Bloomsbury Academic on May 28, 2020, is a detailed examination of Orson Welles’ classic 1958 noir film. This edition, comprising 104 pages, delves into the narrative of a corrupt police chief in a small town on the Mexican-American border, featuring notable performances by Charlton Heston, Janet Leigh, and Marlene Dietrich. Deming’s study positions the film as a significant representation of the noir genre and investigates its intricate ties to the source novel, Badge of Evil by Whit Masterson.

Readers will find a thorough exploration of the film’s production history alongside a close analysis of its pivotal scenes, including the iconic opening sequence that follows a booby-trapped car through city streets. The book addresses themes relevant to the performing arts, film history, and criticism, offering insights into the film’s lasting impact within the context of Classical Hollywood cinema. This scholarly work serves as a resource for those interested in the complexities of film analysis and the evolution of the noir genre.