Directed by Nicholas Ray
My rating: 2.5 stars out of 4
IMDb
(Turner Classic Movies)
Late Bogie has him playing a reformed hoodlum turned lawyer who takes on hard luck case of teen John Derek on trial for murder. In his opening statement to the jury, Bogie spins the tale of Derek's life, leading to a prolonged flashback that takes up most of the film. It's a rather stereotypical story of life in the New York slums, occasionally endearing but mostly predictable, with Derek turning to crime. The love story between Derek and angelic Allene Roberts is both tiresome and melodramatic. Bogie the lawyer finally returns towards the end, giving a long, moving speech about mercy, justice and society's responsibilities.
No comments:
Post a Comment