Sterling Hayden is a film noir icon due to his rugged, imposing presence, and his ability to portray complex, often morally compromised characters in films like The Asphalt Jungle and The Killing. #filmnoir #classichollywood #oldhollywood #bettedavis #marilynmonroe | Jeff Waters

THE KILLING (1956) Johnny Clay (Sterling Hayden) assembles a team for the ultimate heist: robbing a racetrack. But even the most meticulous plans can unravel when greed, betrayal, and chance enter the picture. Release date: May 20, 1956 Director: Stanley Kubrick Starring: Sterling Hayden, Coleen Gray, Vince Edwards, Jay C. Flippen, Marie Windsor, Ted de Corsia, Elisha Cook Jr. | Film Noir Confidential

THE ASPHALT JUNGLE (1950) Recently released from prison, Dix Handley (Sterling Hayden) concocts a plan to steal $1 million in jewels. Dix gathers a team of small-time crooks, including a safecracker (Anthony Caruso) and a lawyer (Louis Calhern), and the heist is a success until a stray bullet kills one of the men. As they scramble to pick up the pieces after the theft, the men let their greed get the best of them while entangling themselves in webs of deceit, treachery and murder. Release date: