Wiretapper

Billed as the true story of an electronics expert of weak moral character who drifts into working for the mob, this film starts out as a well-made crime drama and turns into a tribute to the Rev. Billy Graham, who plays himself. Some people may be turned on or off by that, some may find it comical. Just letting you know.

I can understand some folks being frustrated with this film. After all, it's a really good crime film...until the leading man goes to a Billy Graham crusade and devotes his life to God. This must have come as a surprise to many. But despite (or perhaps because of) this, it's an enjoyable flick.

Jim Vaus (Bill Williams) is a habitual liar. While in the military during WWII, he's arrested and sent to prison for theft...but he never reveals this to his sweetheart. Later, after they marry, he begins to do some very shady business with mobsters...and yet again he lies to his loving wife. Lying and cheating have become a part of him...and it sure wasn't doing his marriage any good! But one day, when things were lowest, he went to a Billy Graham rally and soon he tells his boss he's out of the business for good. This could mean that he'll get his head blown off...but he's tired of the lies.

The acting in this is better than a few reviewers said (at least in my opinion) and it's a good film. I just wish folks knew what to expect as his conversion likely blindsided many viewers...taking a noir film and turning it into an evangelistic (though not too heavy handed) film.

This is based on a memoir written by Jim Vaus Jr. with the revivalist preacher Billy Graham. Bill Williams stars as Vaus, a man who spent much of the Second World War in the stockade for "borrowing" US Army equipment. After he got out of the army, he married and found himself working for a local crime boss, first removing wiretaps, then installing them for his boss, then on to other crimes. Can even a sermon by Billy Graham save him?

At 85 minutes, it is a long-winded and dull affair. It makes its points repeatedly, the character are one-note and visually it's shot rather dully with flat lighting. Some of the issues can be laid at the issues of its didactic source, and some to the lack of excellent actors; Williams was an adequate supporting actor, but he's rather dull and the rest of the cast does not offer anything else.

A good Christian may of course find this movie more engrossing. As I have remarked in other reviews, faith is a mystery to me. However this strikes me as preaching to the converted.