A 1958 crime thriller directed by Orson Welles, Touch of Evil, continues to stand strong among the “best movies of all time,” proving that even films once misunderstood can become legends.
The noir classic, starring Charlton Heston and Janet Leigh, has earned lasting praise from critics, audiences, and film historians, with Rotten Tomatoes reporting a 96% Tomatometer score and 92% Popcornmeter score from over 25,000 ratings.
Rotten Tomatoes also ranked the film 275th out of 300 best movies of all time, showing its strong place in cinema history even decades after its troubled release.
Touch of Evil tells a dark and tense story set on the U.S.–Mexico border. The film begins with a shocking car bomb explosion that kills two people. This event pulls Mexican narcotics agent Miguel Vargas (Charlton Heston) into an investigation led by American police captain Hank Quinlan (Orson Welles).
Touch Of Evil poster showing Janet Leigh and Charlton Heston.Photo by LMPC via Getty Images
As Vargas works the case while on his honeymoon with his wife Susie (Janet Leigh), he starts to notice something deeply troubling. Quinlan and his partner Pete Menzies (Joseph Calleia), may be planting evidence to frame innocent people. The deeper Vargas digs, the more danger he and Susie face.
The story turns darker when Susie is kidnapped and falsely accused of murder. Vargas must race against time to expose corruption before more lives are destroyed. In the end, the truth is revealed, Quinlan’s crimes are uncovered, and Susie is freed.
The film is remembered for its intense mood, moral conflict and unforgettable performances. Welles plays Quinlan as a powerful but corrupt officer, adding depth to the story’s theme of justice versus abuse of power.
Even though Touch of Evil is now praised, its early history was chaotic. The film was originally adapted from the novel Badge of Evil (1956). Orson Welles was later hired not only to star but also to direct and rewrite the script.
However, during post-production, creative disagreements broke out between Welles and Universal executives. The studio re-edited the film in a more traditional style and even added reshoots in 1957 without Welles’ approval.
Welles responded by writing a detailed 58-page memo, explaining how the film should be restored to his vision.
Despite its rocky start and mixed early reviews, the film later gained major recognition in Europe and won top awards at the 1958 Brussels World Film Festival. Over time, critics began to reassess it, and by the 1970s, it was considered one of Welles’ greatest works.
In 1993, the Library of Congress selected Touch of Evil for preservation in the United States National Film Registry, calling it “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”
A major turning point came in 1998 when film editor Walter Murch rebuilt the movie based on Welles’ original memo. This restored version helped audiences better understand the director’s vision and is now widely respected.
Today, Touch of Evil is regularly shown in restored versions in film festivals, museums and universities. Modern 4K restorations and Blu-ray releases continue to introduce the film to younger audiences.
Though Charlton Heston and Janet Leigh have both passed away, their performances remain central to the film’s legacy. Heston died in 2008, while Leigh passed in 2004, but both are still remembered for shaping Hollywood history.
The film also helped cement Orson Welles’ reputation as one of cinema’s most creative directors, even during a difficult period in his career.
What was once a heavily edited studio release is now widely regarded as a masterpiece of film noir, and a powerful example of how a movie can be “saved by history.”
Related: 1974 Hit Film Ranked Among ‘Best Movies’ of All Time Became a Timeless Classic
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