The Captive City (1952)

A small town newspaperman's investigation into a local bookie operation turns up a web of organized crime.

Director:

Robert Wise

Writers:

Alvin M. Josephy (screenplay), Alvin M. Josephy (story),

Stars:

John Forsythe, Joan Camden, Harold J. Kennedy

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
John Forsythe	...	Jim Austin
Joan Camden	...	Marge Austin
Harold J. Kennedy	...	Don Carey
Marjorie Crossland	...	Mrs. Sirak
Victor Sutherland	...	Murray Sirak
Ray Teal	...	Chief Gillette
Martin Milner	...	Phil Harding
Geraldine Hall	...	Mrs. Nelson
Hal K. Dawson	...	Clyde Nelson
Ian Wolfe	...	Rev. Nash
Gladys Hurlbut	...	Linda Purcy
Jess Kirkpatrick	...	Anderson
Paul Newlan	...	Krug
Frances Morris	...	Mrs. Harding
Paul Brinegar	...	Police Sergeant

Storyline

A small town newspaperman's investigation into a local bookie operation turns up a web of organized crime.

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Plot Keywords:

police sergeant | organized crime | insurance salesman | laundromat | car chase | 

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Taglines:

NO PUNCHES PULLED...NO TRUTHS UNTOLD! (original print ad - all caps)

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Genres:

Crime | Film-Noir | Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 March 1952 (USA)

Also Known As:

Cidade Cativa

Filming Locations:

Reno, Nevada, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Aspen Productions (I)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

According to director Robert Wise, the movie was shot entirely in Reno, Nevada. They used the newspaper there, the City Hall, the street. Not one shot was filmed in the studio. IT was filmed in 22-23 days.

User Reviews

A simple and effective crime drama

John Forsythe stars in this excellent crime drama directed by Robert Wise. Unlike most movies involving the mob, this one is quite a bit different, as you never actually get to see many of the crooks and the menace is much more implied than actual. This isn't bad, as it makes the film seem less predictable and more realistic.

Forsythe is a newspaper owner in a small town where you'd never expect the mob. When a local private detective comes to Forstythe with stories of mobs and payoffs, the newspaperman can't believe it and only does a cursory investigation. But, when a bit later this detective is killed, Forstythe starts to wonder if there really is more to the story. Unfortunately for him, when he digs deeper, he puts his life on the line as well.

Senator Kefauver (who made a name for himself crusading against organized crime) gives an epilogue in which he says the story is true. I'd really like to know more, though IMDb doesn't have any information about the case. If anyone can give me more info, I'd appreciate it.