Upon completion of principle photography, Orson Welles had to submit his rough cut version of Touch of Evil (1958) to the studio. Editors butchered it, changed the order of scenes and added unnecessary music. Orson wrote a 58 page letter begging them to reconsider and allow him to present the film in his own, unique artistic vision. They refused. It was the last time Welles made a Hollywood film. Instead he moved to Europe, where his style was better appreciated. Touch of Evil was shown there in it's uncut form and had a great influence, particularly on French New Wave films.
A legendary long opening shot introduces the catalyst for the film: a wealthy businessman is killed after crossing the border by a bomb placed in his car. The bomb originated in Mexico, so authorities on both sides are eager to see the matter resolved. Miguel Vargas (Charlton Heston), a Mexican official and his wife (Janet Leigh) are involved in the investigation, having been nearby when the explosion occurred...
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| Touch of Evil. 1958: Charlton Heston and Janet Leigh |
Crooked cop Hank Quinlan (Orson Welles) represents the American authorities. When Vargas discovers Quinlan planting evidence to frame a Mexican man for the crime, he threatens to expose Quinlan...
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| Touch of Evil. 1958: Orson Welles |
Quinlan, not one to go down easy, concocts a seedy revenge to disgrace Vargas and protect his own reputation...
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| Touch of Evil. 1958: Orson Welles |
The result is a series of mind games, manipulations and tense moments that culminate with an inevitable conflict...
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| Touch of Evil. 1958: Orson Welles |
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| Touch of Evil. 1958: Charlton Heston and Janet Leigh |
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| Touch of Evil. 1958: Orson Welles |
