The Case Against Brooklyn (1958)

User Rating:

6.4/10   

Director:

Paul Wendkos

Writers (WGA):

Ed Reid (book)
Daniel B. Ullman (screen story)

Release Date:

June 1958 (USA)

Genre:

Crime | Drama

Plot:

Fact-based story of a rookie cop who takes on a crime syndicate involved in corrupting government officials in Brooklyn, New York.

Plot Keywords:

Rookie Cop | Brooklyn New York | Attorney | Police Sergeant | Police

Cast

Darren McGavin	...	Pete Harris
Margaret Hayes	...	Lil Polombo nee Alexander (as Maggie Hayes)
Warren Stevens	...	Rudi Franklin
Peggy McCay	...	Mrs. Jane Harris
Tol Avery	...	Dist. Atty. Michael W. Norris
Emile Meyer	...	Police Capt. T.W. Wills
Nestor Paiva	...	Finelli
Brian G. Hutton	...	Jess Johnson (as Brian Hutton)
Robert Osterloh	...	Det. Sgt. Bonney
Joe Turkel	...	Henchman Monte
Bobby Helms	...	Himself, Vocalist

Runtime:

82 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Finland:K-16 | Sweden:15

Company:

Morningside Productions

Soundtrack:

Prize Song

Now, this is noir!

Opine that a film is noir, and the arguments will sprout up like mushrooms in a dark cellar. This gritty little feature, however, should cause contention only among those who designate noir in terms of directors, inclusive years, or other mercenary measures. The plot concerns police corruption, and the protagonist is an unsullied, but savvy rookie cop who is ready and willing to cast sentiment aside and get the goods by hook or crook. The Production Code is cracking, and characters talk of a woman putting out and a good guy's willingness to cheat on his wife. There's no soft soap or sappiness--only an oblique noir world that twists and turns and delivers flashes of light amidst the gloom.