Which 1950 noir has Richard Widmark as London hustler Harry Fabian?

The 1950 noir starring Richard Widmark as London hustler Harry Fabian is Night and the City.

Directed by Jules Dassin, the film follows Fabian, a restless small-time operator who sees an opportunity in London’s underground wrestling scene. He tries to promote a powerful wrestler and become a major figure, but his schemes collide with criminal bosses, rival promoters, and people he has exploited. Widmark plays Fabian as energetic, frightened, manipulative, and increasingly trapped by his own ambition.

The film is based on Gerald Kersh’s 1938 novel, although Dassin later said he had not read the book before making the movie. It was shot on location in London as well as at Shepperton Studios, giving the story a dense, nocturnal urban atmosphere. The cast also includes Gene Tierney and Googie Withers.

A notable complication is that two versions exist. The British release is about five minutes longer and has a more hopeful ending and a different score, while Dassin preferred the American version as closer to his intentions. The film was later remade in 1992 with Robert De Niro.