The Big Operator (1959): cast, story & where to watch
1959 · Film · ★ 5.9
Released in 1959, The Big Operator is a drama and crime film directed by Charles F. Haas, running about 91 minutes. “Goons! Torch Killers! Labor Racketeers!” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. A power-mad union boss resorts to murder to eliminate witnesses scheduled to testify against him. The eclectic cast includes Mickey Rooney, Mamie Van Doren, Mel Torme, Jay North, Vampira, Charles Chaplin Jr., Jackie Coogan and Norman Grabowski.
Who’s in it. The Big Operator stars Mickey Rooney as Little Joe Braun, Mamie Van Doren as Mary Gibson, Steve Cochran as Bill Gibson and Mel Tormé as Fred McAfee, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 5.9/10, The Big Operator has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Big Operator page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Big Operator tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Big Operator (1959)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Big Operator change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is The Big Operator worth watching?
- The Big Operator holds an audience score of 5.9 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama and crime. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in The Big Operator?
- The Big Operator stars Mickey Rooney, Mamie Van Doren, Steve Cochran, Mel Tormé and Jim Backus.
- When was The Big Operator released?
- The Big Operator was released in 1959, with a runtime of about 91 minutes.