Kiss the Blood Off My Hands is a Film Noir crime drama about a former solider Bill Saunders (Burt Lancaster, Criss Cross, Scorpio) who is living in England and finds himself in a web because of a murder. Saunders accidently kills a man at a bar with one punch, runs away from the authorities, and hides in the apartment of a nurse, Jane Wharton (Joan Fontaine, Rebecca, Suspicion). He explains his tragic situation to Jane, who believes him. Later, poor Saunders finds himself tailed and blackmailed by Harry Carter (Robert Newton, Oliver Twist, Odd Man Out). Carter who saw the fight at the bar, threatens to call the police unless Saunders helps him with a robbery involving a drug shipment. Saunders betrays Carter during the robbery, putting his and Jane’s life in great danger.
Kiss the Blood Off My Hands is a well-directed, fast-paced thriller with great acting by the veteran cast. Right off the bat in this picture we get a fight and a frantic chase sequence that goes on for several minutes, and the film hardly lets up after that. The scenes of a foggy London also give the film a shot of atmosphere, a nice added touch. The movie is a non-stop 80-minute roller-coaster ride thanks to the relentless director of Norman Foster!
A title on many fans bucket-lists to receive a high-definition release on home video, Kiss the Blood Off My Hands finally lands on Blu-ray courtesy of Kino Lorber. Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1:37:1, in 1080p and sporting a new 2K master, the film has never looked better. The picture looks brighter due to the boost in contrast, with a balanced grey scale and rich black levels. There are a few speckles here and there but nothing to distract from the viewing experience. This easily is an upgrade to the DVD.
In regard to the audio, English DTS-HD master audio 2.0 track is top-notch with dialog, the heart-pounding excellent musical score by the great composer Miklós Rózsa (Double Indemnity) and other noises coming in crystal clear. The lossless audio causes music is easily the most aggressive, which adds more suspense. English subtitles are available for this release.
Extras include a new audio commentary by film historian Jeremy Arnold who gives his analysis and thoughts about the film, including the eye-catching title! His commentary is a must listen for some interesting details about the film’s background, and the cast and makers of Kiss the Blood Off My Hands.
Rounding off the supplemental materials are theatrical trailers for Kiss the Blood Off My Hands, Desert Fury, Run Silent, Run Deep, The Devil’s Brigade, The Train and Valdez is Coming. If you like trailers, there are plenty to sit back, watch and enjoy.
Kiss the Blood Off My Hands is a film that seems to have been overlooked. I feel that it is an upper-tier movie in the same boat as The Big Clock, Black Angel, and Criss Cross and it is terrific that this movie can be enjoyed in beautiful high definition and to hopefully now get the recognition that it deserves ! Recommended without question!
Kiss the Blood Off My Hands
Director- Norman Foster
Cast- Joan Fontaine, Burt Lancaster,
Country of Origin- US
Distributor – Kino Lorber
Number of Discs – 1
Reviewed by – David Steigman
Date- 8/1