- Genre
- Crime
- Year
- 1955
- Runtime
- 1h30
0
Joe Macbeth
Ambition turns deadly in the shadows of Glasgow's underworld.
Watch Joe Macbeth streaming in
No offers found.
We couldn't find any offers for Joe Macbeth streaming in Russia.
Synopsis
Joe Macbeth is a 1955 film noir adaptation of Shakespeare's Macbeth, set in the gritty world of 1950s Glasgow gangsters. Starring Paul Douglas as Joe Macbeth, the movie transposes the classic tale of ambition, power, and betrayal into the dangerous milieu of organized crime. Joe Macbeth, a loyal enforcer for a crime boss, becomes engulfed in a dark spiral after seizing control of the criminal empire through violent means. Torn between his ruthless ambitions and the cost of his actions, the story explores themes of guilt, paranoia, and the consequences of unchecked power. The film blends Shakespearean drama with the stylistic elements of film noir, featuring atmospheric black-and-white cinematography and tense performances, creating a compelling and unique retelling of a timeless tragedy.
Cast
Reviews
Joe Macbeth has received mixed to moderate reviews from critics and audiences, reflecting its niche approach as a Shakespeare adaptation set in a crime drama context. On IMDb, the film holds a rating of 6.3/10, based on user reviews that appreciate its ambitious blend of classic literature with the noir crime genre, though some find it uneven in execution. While not widely reviewed on major contemporary platforms like Rotten Tomatoes or Metacritic due to its age and relative obscurity, the film has garnered a cult appreciation for Paul Douglas's solid performance and director Ken Hughes's atmospheric style. Critics acknowledge the film's atmospheric tension and innovative setting but note that its pacing can feel slow and that the adaptation occasionally struggles to balance Shakespearean dialogue with the criminal underworld tone. Some praise the film's bold reinterpretation and moody cinematography, describing it as "an intriguing noir take on a timeless tragedy," while others critique it as "a somewhat awkward, yet earnest experiment." Overall, Joe Macbeth is regarded as a curious and stylistically interesting film that appeals primarily to fans of classic noir and Shakespearean adaptations.
