The Big Steal (1949)

In the riotous heart of Veracruz, Mexico, the paths of Duke Halliday, a U.S. Army payroll officer, and Joan Graham, a fiery fiancée, fatefully intersect. Both are in relentless pursuit of the elusive and deceptive Jim Fiske, a man who's left a trail of deceit in his wake. Fiske has cunningly absconded with Joan's $2,000, while simultaneously managing to swindle Duke out of a staggering army payroll sum of $300,000. Their initial encounter on the vibrant Veracruz dock is marked by hostility, but the shared goal of reclaiming their stolen fortunes from Fiske binds Duke and Joan in a tense and unlikely alliance. As they navigate the dusty roads of Mexico, they are perpetually two steps behind the elusive Fiske, who remains tantalizingly out of reach. The destination is Tehuacán, but the location of the pilfered $300,000 and Fiske's plans for it remain shrouded in mystery, adding another layer of suspense to their quest. Meanwhile, their journey is further complicated by the dogged pursuit of Captain Vincent Blake, Duke's commanding officer who remains unconvinced of Duke's tale of robbery, ready to pull the trigger on his subordinate if necessary. In the shadows, the watchful eyes of Veracruz's police force, led by the astute Inspector General Ortega, follow this motley crew's movements closely, attempting to piece together the intricate puzzle of their intentions. As they race against time, Duke, Joan, and the real Capt. Blake are relentlessly pursued across Mexico, while the crafty Inspector General lies in wait in Tihuacan. However, in a thrilling twist, they manage to give him the slip, setting the stage for a climax that is as unexpected as it is exhilarating. "The Big Steal" unfurls a tightly-woven narrative with a brisk pace, featuring a serpentine plot filled with suspense, intrigue, and a dash of romance. This chase across Mexico promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, as they follow the protagonists in their pursuit of justice, truth, and stolen fortunes.

The Big Steal is a crime movie featuring Robert Mitchum.

The Big Steal is currently streaming on TCM.

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