Cast overview: | |||
Edward Binns | ... | George Madison | |
Carolyn Craig | ... | Ruth Madison | |
Virginia Gregg | ... | Clara Madison | |
Russ Conway | ... | Phil Jackman | |
Lawrence Dobkin | ... | Garnell (as Larry Dobkin) | |
Frank Gorshin | ... | Joe | |
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Joseph Marr | ... | Larry (as Joe Marr) |
Rusty Lane | ... | Tom Carmody | |
Richard Bellis | ... | Jimmy Madison (as Dickie Bellis) | |
Lea Penman | ... | Annie Stoneway | |
Jeanne Carmen | ... | Iris |
A tavern owner in Portland, Oregon gets involved in a struggle for power between two gangs attempting to control the unions. When his young daughter is attacked by one of the gangsters, he joins the faction fighting against the syndicate and gets important evidence via a tape recorder. He is discovered and he and his daughter are threatened but honest union men, come to his aid. Written by Les Adams <longhorn1939@suddenlink.net>
Bit late for a vintage noir, by definition, and whilst not deeply caste in dark shadows throughout, makes up for this a little on the sleaze front. Competently made and presented as 'based on a true story' this is quite interesting for its detail on organised crime and its involvement at very modest levels with the help of 'rotten apple' police and corrupt union official plus assistance 'all the way to the top'. There are in fact some surprisingly sleazy moments, including a well shot and fairly vigorous attempted rape. There is also a super body disposal scene involving a train at night with the flashing lights of the carriages lighting up the killer's obvious delight. The central character is, however, just a little too much of a 'goodie two shoes' for my liking and the film does slow to a crawl at times when we have to consider the family implications. Worth a watch.