response The Narrow Margin is considered by critics and film historians to be a classic example of film noir. Well received at the time of its release, the production was made as a model B movie. In 1952, critic Howard Thompson of The New York Times gave high marks to the low-budget film:Using a small cast of comparative unknowns, headed by Charles McGraw, Marie Windsor and Jacqueline White, this inexpensive Stanley Rubin production for R.K.O. is almost a model of electric tension that, at least technically, nudges some of the screen's thriller milestones. Crisply performed and written and directed by Earl Felton and Richard Fleischer with tingling economy, this unpretentious offering should glue anyone to the edge of his seat and prove, once and for all, that a little can be made to count for a lot. Later, in 2005, film critic Dennis Schwartz said, "A breathtakingly suspenseful low-budget crime thriller that is flawlessly directed ... The fast-paced pulpish taut story is filled with tense incidents and a well-executed twist." The review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reported that 100% of critics gave the film a positive review, based on 10 reviews. Noir analysis Film critic Blake Lucas makes the case that The Narrow Margin reflects the "noir view" of an unstable and deceiving moral reality. Awards and honors Academy Award for Best Writing (Motion Picture Story), Earl Felton, 1953. (nominated) Adaptation The film was remade as Narrow Margin with Anne Archer and Gene Hackman in 1990. It was directed by Peter Hyams. Hackman's performance was praised, but the later version is generally considered a lesser work compared to the original movie. References External links 1952 films 1950s psychological thriller films American black-and-white films 1950s English-language films Fictional portrayals of the Los Angeles Police Department Film noir Films directed by Richard Fleischer Films set in Chicago Films set in Los Angeles Films set on trains RKO Pictures films American psychological thriller films 1950s American films