Uncover the Past: 10 Crime Films About Old Cases

Description: A police detective investigates the murder of his wife, uncovering a network of corruption and crime that reaches back into his past. It's a classic film noir with a strong moral center.

Fact: The film was one of the first to show a woman throwing boiling coffee in a man's face. Gloria Grahame's performance as Debby Marsh is often cited as one of her best.

Description: Set in Boston, this film explores the life of Eddie Coyle, a small-time gunrunner, who gets entangled in a web of betrayal and old criminal connections. It's a gritty, realistic portrayal of the criminal underworld.

Fact: Robert Mitchum, known for his tough guy roles, delivers one of his most nuanced performances. The film was shot on location in Boston, giving it an authentic feel.

Description: A master safecracker is released from prison and immediately embroiled in a heist that connects to his past criminal activities. It's a tale of loyalty, betrayal, and the inescapable pull of one's history.

Fact: The film was based on the novel by Richard Stark, one of the pseudonyms of Donald E. Westlake. It was one of the last films to feature the legendary Robert Duvall in a lead role.

Description: This British gangster film follows Harold Shand, a London crime boss, as he tries to expand his empire but is confronted with a series of bombings linked to his past. It's a classic example of how old sins cast long shadows.

Fact: The film was originally intended to be a trilogy, but the sequel was never made. Bob Hoskins' performance as Harold Shand is considered one of his finest.

Description: This neo-noir film revolves around a con artist, his mother, and his girlfriend, all of whom have their own criminal pasts that collide in a dangerous game of deception and survival.

Fact: The film was adapted from Jim Thompson's novel. Anjelica Huston won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role.

Description: An ex-con from England travels to Los Angeles to investigate the death of his daughter, uncovering a web of deceit and old crimes. The film's non-linear storytelling adds to the mystery of the past.

Fact: The film uses a unique editing style, with scenes from the past and present interwoven. Terence Stamp's character was inspired by the real-life story of a British gangster.

Description: Two hitmen are hired to kill a man, but their curiosity leads them to investigate his past, revealing a tale of love, betrayal, and crime. This is the original film that inspired the 1964 remake.

Fact: The film was based on a short story by Ernest Hemingway. It was Burt Lancaster's film debut, and he was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance.

Description: A heist film where a group of criminals come together for one last job, only to find their pasts catching up with them. It's a seminal work in the crime genre.

Fact: Marilyn Monroe had one of her earliest roles in this film. It was also one of the first films to show the planning of a heist in detail.

Description: A detective must protect a witness on a train, but his past and the criminal underworld he once knew make the journey fraught with danger. It's a suspenseful ride through time.

Fact: The film was shot in just 13 days, mostly on a real train. It was remade in 1990 with Gene Hackman.

Description: Two hitmen are hired to kill a man, but as they delve into his past, they uncover a complex web of crime and betrayal. This film is a remake of the 1946 classic, focusing on the backstory.

Fact: It was Ronald Reagan's last film role before entering politics. The film was directed by Don Siegel, known for his work with Clint Eastwood.