The Street With No Name
Film noir, a classic film style of the '40s and '50s, is noted for its dark themes, stark camera angles and high-contrast lighting. Comprising many of Hollywood's finest films, film noir tells realistic stories about crime, mystery, femmes fatales and moral conflict.
The FBI files are filled with many lurid crime stories. One case in particular baffles FBI Inspector Briggs (Lloyd Nolan). It's the murders of a housewife and a bank guard, with no connection between the victims - except the murder weapon. Determined to solve the case, Briggs sends his best agent undercover to penetrate the inner circle of a notorious gang run by up-and-coming crime boss Stiles, played by Richard Widmark in one of his most chilling performances. Everything goes according to plan, until an informant tips off Stiles.
Member Reviews
Predictable but entertaining crime flick - CaptainDave
Another "crime does not pay" film from the late 1940s. These films are practically anti-noir with their attempts to glamourize the smarts and efficiency of various police agencies. Unlike real film noirs, their intention is to reassure rather than disturb us.
This supposed story from the files of the FBI (J. Edgar Hoover even drops in twice via teletype) picks up speed when it drops the voiceover narrator and gets down to letting the story tell itself. As an undercover agent infiltrating a gang, Mark Stevens is likeable, with his cocky smile. And as the hypocondriac gang leader, Richard Widmark manages to stay just this side of a cliche.
You won't have any trouble following the plot, as the tale is cleanly told, without any encumbrance of a love story. Although Barbara Lawrence gives an entertaining turn as Widmark's caustic, neglected and abused wife. There's also a neat cat-and-mouse sequence as Widmark tries to track down Stevens in a darkened boxing gym.
Don't set your expectations too high, and this flick will provide a satisfying 90 minutes.Effective Film Noir - Movie_Fan
Using a documentary style approach, this is an effective example of the "undercover agent infiltrates gang" movie.
Like Humphrey Bogart, Richard Widmark started in villainous roles before shifting to the side of law and order. Here he gives a noteworthy performance as the intelligent but psychotic gang leader. Mark Stevens is a bit bland as the agent but that goes with the territory - the bad guys get the best scenes.
The plot is quite suspenseful in spite of the fact that you pretty well know how it will end, although there is a twist at the conclusion that surprised me.
The Bottom Line: Well worth a rental.
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Predictable but entertaining crime flick - CaptainDave
Another "crime does not pay" film from the late 1940s. These films are practically anti-noir with their attempts to glamourize the smarts and efficiency of various police agencies. Unlike real film noirs, their intention is to reassure rather than disturb ...Effective Film Noir - Movie_Fan
Using a documentary style approach, this is an effective example of the "undercover agent infiltrates gang" movie.
Like Humphrey Bogart, Richard Widmark started in villainous roles before shifting to the side of law and order. Here he gives a noteworthy ...