MovieChat Forums > Pickup on South Street (1953) Discussion > Moe's last words - different version?

Moe's last words - different version?

posted 15 years ago by borg1005-1
2 replies | jump to latest

Just saw this movie the other day on TCM and waited for Thelma Ritter's famous last scene. The last time I saw this picture was when it was released and I swear, I remember, clear as a bell, her saying something like "Dirty Commie" just before she's shot. I realize that a 60-year-old memory can play tricks on you, but I wondered if there was another version that was "cleaned up" in restoration.

On a separate note, typical of the period, the killing is off-camera. The camera shifts to the Victrola and then you hear a shot - your imagination fills in the rest. Later, there's reference to her "head blown off". Today it would all be in slow-motion, from several angles and blood spattering everywhere. Give me the oldies any time.

[–] LCShackley 14 years ago

She reams Richard Kiley out pretty well before he kills her. But her last words are, "I'm so tired, you'd be doing me a big favor if you'd blow my head off."

[–] circa1897 14 years ago

I totally agree with your viewpoint...had this film been made today it would surely receive an R rating. Watched it tonite with my boys ages 8 and 11...get tired of watching the same old same old. Here is a clean film, with a good story line, action, suspense and a moral too thrown in for good measure (no commies in the U.S). The kids enjoyed it and there was no profanity, nudity or gore..that's why I like watching the oldies too!!!!