Filmed almost entirely in the streets of New York, Kiss of Death is now regarded as a film noir classic, notable for its riveting tension, the opening robbery sequence, brilliant photography by Norbert Brodine, and above all Richard Widmark's debut performance as a sadistic killer with the insane giggle which was to become the actor's trademark. Victor Mature appears at his best as an ex-con who goes straight, marries, then returns to a life of crime in order to support his kids after his wife's death. Sent up again, he makes a deal with D.A. Brian Donlevy in which he informs on his associates. He is released to live in mortal terror of retribution.