Guide Note

Inspired by the novel Badge of Evil, Orson Welles' Touch of Evil was originally released in a shorter version Welles didn't authorize. In 1998, a new version was released that more closely aligned with the director's intended vision.

The film, considered to be a textbook example of film noir, opens with a famous, three minute continuous tracking shot. The story, itself, concerns an investigation in a U.S./Mexico bordertown that pits Mexican narcotics officer Mike Vargas (Charlton Heston) against corrupt U.S. lawman Hank Quinlan (Orson Welles).

In 1993, the film was selected for preservation by the Library of Congress' National Film Registry and was ranked Number 64 on American Film Institute's list of "100 Years, 100 Thrills."

Fast Facts

1. Director: Orson Welles
2. Distributor: Universal International Pictures
3. Starring: Orson Welles, Charlton Heston, Janet Leigh, Marlene Dietrich
4. Release Date: May 21, 1958
5. Running Time: 111 Min

1. Welles shot at night to avoid interference from studio suits.
2. The film takes place in the fictional town of Los Robles, but was filmed primarily in Venice, California.
3. Welles was fired from the film during post-production.
4. Welles stated that his goal was to infuriate the audience with the plot.