The Killers Double Feature (Criterion Collection)

Ernest Hemingway's short story was the basis for this pair of divergent crime dramas. First, the original classic film noir "The Killers" features a debuting Burt Lancaster as "the Swede," a boxer who is hunted down by two small-time hit men. A dogged insurance investigator (Edmond O'Brien) uncovers the dead man's involvement with crooks and a beautiful, double-crossing femme fatale (Ava Gardner). Robert Siodmak directs. Next, after killing a teacher (John Cassavetes), a curious killer (Lee Marvin) delves into his target's past and finds a story of an armored car robbery, a dangerous love triangle, and a fatal showdown. Director Don Siegel's revamping of "The Killers" also stars Angie Dickinson and, in his final film, Ronald Reagan. 196 min. total on two discs. Standard; Soundtrack: English mono; Subtitles: English; bonus short "The Killers" (1956); interviews; photo gallery; 1949 radio version; theatrical trailers; more.