Adapted from Gerald Kersh’s classic crime novel, the 1950 Night and the City is a consummate film noir classic which presents a fevered and paranoid vision of London by night – a city still shattered and skeletal from wartime bombing. To be released on Blu-ray by the BFI for the first time in the UK on later this month, the film is presented in two versions – the US and British cuts – and accompanied by a comprehensive selection of special features.

Richard Widmark stars as Harry Fabian, a small-time spiv with big dreams who worms his way into the dangerous world of wrestling rackets, and who comes into conflict with a vengeful club owner (Francis Sullivan) and a tough gangster (Herbert Lom). Harry’s long-suffering girlfriend (Gene Tierney) tries to save him – but can Harry outrun his fate?

Compellingly directed by Academy Award nominee Jules Dassin (at the time under suspicion in Hollywood for his political beliefs), Night and the City has been celebrated for its uncompromising, bleak portrayal of urban life, its array of unsympathetic characters and its expressionist visual style.

Night and the City will be released on UK Blu-ray on 28th September by the BFI at the RRP of £19.99.

Featuring a brand new 4K restoration of the US version and a 2K restoration of the previously unseen British version, the disc will have these extra features:

• Original theatrical trailer

• US version audio commentary by film noir expert Paul Duncan

• British version audio commentary by film expert Adrian Martin

• Richard Widmark Interviewed by Adrian Wootton (2002, 72 mins): extensive interview filmed onstage at the National Film Theatre

• The Guardian Lecture: Jules Dassin Interviewed by Alexander Walker (1981, 52 mins, audio with stills): a far-reaching on-stage discussion

• Illustrated booklet with essays by Lee Server, Paul Duncan and James Hahn; and full film credits