There are a very actors whose films I will watch even if the film isn't so great, simply because they such consummate actors. For me, Jimmy Stewart is one such actor. I wasn't expecting a whole lot out of this film, but was pleasantly surprised.
The plot line itself is thin, with Stewart the faithful (but dedicated) husband and Vera Miles as the not-always-satisifed with her husband being in the FBI wife. But when it comes down to it, the story of the FBI -- in that era -- is told via a number of vignettes of interesting FBI cases. The film is long enough to do each of them some justice, although some might say that the film is too long (149 minutes). And how much more authentic can you get -- J Edgar Hoover had a great deal of control over the film and appears briefly in it (non-speaking cameo).
Is it a great film? No. But it does let is see the perception of the FBI in its early years, which is very much different than the perception we have of it now. Like or hate Hoover (and I'm no fan), you've got to give him some credit for making the FBI into a powerful scion of the law (despite many flaws).
But Stewart is interesting here. He is still playing the (sort of) romantic lead, despite being in his early fifties...and he pulls it off. Vera Miles is one of my favorite actresses of those who never got the credit she deserved for many fine film and television roles, although to be honest, this is not her best work (and the blond hair was distracting).
Accept the film for what it is and you'll enjoy it.
The plot line itself is thin, with Stewart the faithful (but dedicated) husband and Vera Miles as the not-always-satisifed with her husband being in the FBI wife. But when it comes down to it, the story of the FBI -- in that era -- is told via a number of vignettes of interesting FBI cases. The film is long enough to do each of them some justice, although some might say that the film is too long (149 minutes). And how much more authentic can you get -- J Edgar Hoover had a great deal of control over the film and appears briefly in it (non-speaking cameo).
Is it a great film? No. But it does let is see the perception of the FBI in its early years, which is very much different than the perception we have of it now. Like or hate Hoover (and I'm no fan), you've got to give him some credit for making the FBI into a powerful scion of the law (despite many flaws).
But Stewart is interesting here. He is still playing the (sort of) romantic lead, despite being in his early fifties...and he pulls it off. Vera Miles is one of my favorite actresses of those who never got the credit she deserved for many fine film and television roles, although to be honest, this is not her best work (and the blond hair was distracting).
Accept the film for what it is and you'll enjoy it.