They Live by Night

Both a crime drama and a darkly romantic love story, Nicholas Ray’s poignant debut is infused with a special sensitivity toward outsiders and a powerful visual style. The naive 23-year-old Bowie (Farley Granger) has just escaped from prison alongside two ruthless bank robbers when he meets the young Keechie (Cathy O’Donnell). Unable to deal with the uncaring criminal underworld, the two dream of making a fresh start in Mexico. Their trip, which is also an escape from the police and Bowie's former accomplices, takes them through the US heartland. A nocturnal, atmospheric descent into hopelessness.