Having previously edited 'All the King's Men' which elevated Broderick Crawford from 'B' to 'A' status, Robert Parrish makes his directorial debut here with Mr. Crawford again in the lead.
Although classed as 'Film Noir' this is essentially a gangster film featuring the sociopaths, psychopaths, sadists and assorted low-lifes that audiences seem to find eternally fascinating. There are only so many plots and here we have a variation on the theme of the cop going underground to expose organised crime. This is very much a man's world in which the dockland setting provides ample opportunity for a lot of tough talking and mucho macho posturing which after a while becomes rather monotonous.
As one would expect the film is technically proficient in terms of editing and musical score but there are alas too many mediocre actors on display. Notable exceptions of course are Ernest Borgnine who was himself soon to be promoted to class 'A' in 'Marty' and one of Hollywood's best 'heavies' Neville Brand. This marks the film debut of actor/singer Richard Kiley whose best work by far was in the theatre where he was able to utilise his excellent baritone. If you blink you are likely to miss an uncredited Charles Bronson as a longshoreman. What can one possibly say of Broderick Crawford? One of cinema's genuine characters (and heaviest drinkers) he excelled within the limitations set by his looks and physique and was fortunate enough to be gifted some fine roles.
Mr. Parrish went on to better things(mostly) and does well here with the material at his disposal.
Although classed as 'Film Noir' this is essentially a gangster film featuring the sociopaths, psychopaths, sadists and assorted low-lifes that audiences seem to find eternally fascinating. There are only so many plots and here we have a variation on the theme of the cop going underground to expose organised crime. This is very much a man's world in which the dockland setting provides ample opportunity for a lot of tough talking and mucho macho posturing which after a while becomes rather monotonous.
As one would expect the film is technically proficient in terms of editing and musical score but there are alas too many mediocre actors on display. Notable exceptions of course are Ernest Borgnine who was himself soon to be promoted to class 'A' in 'Marty' and one of Hollywood's best 'heavies' Neville Brand. This marks the film debut of actor/singer Richard Kiley whose best work by far was in the theatre where he was able to utilise his excellent baritone. If you blink you are likely to miss an uncredited Charles Bronson as a longshoreman. What can one possibly say of Broderick Crawford? One of cinema's genuine characters (and heaviest drinkers) he excelled within the limitations set by his looks and physique and was fortunate enough to be gifted some fine roles.
Mr. Parrish went on to better things(mostly) and does well here with the material at his disposal.