Eastwood and Bronson and Neeson all owe Glenn Ford a huge debt of gratitude. No one does vengeance quite like Superman’s dad.
As we see on a daily basis, wanton cruelty towards women is a core element of a base and corrupt society. The Big Heat is the rare noir with an unquestioned happy ending (as far as it goes). But it’s also one that firmly plants its feet on the side of justice.