I fuorilegge della polizia

This fifties Columbia potboiler about bookies made with routine excellence was once considered important enough for Andrew Sarris to italicise it's title in his entry in Sarris's book 'American Cinema'.

The film doesn't stint on the fisticuffs and gunplay, but what really gives the film it's soul is Margaret Hayes as a careworn widow initially drawn to crewcutted hero Darren McGavin and devastated to learn that he's actually happily married.

Among the coppers those with sharp eyes will spot Brian Hutton (later director of 'Where Eagles Dare') and Joseph Turkel (best known for his much later role as the grinning barman in 'The Shining' but who already had two Kubrick's under his belt).

It looks like a Don Siegel or Phil Karlson film, but director Paul Wendkos was an effective film maker, finally preferring the TV industry than the big screen one. Excellent, flawless acting, directing, photography. Of course, the topic tells the combat between good guys against the evil ones, the mob. It nearly evokes a pilot of a TV series in the basic plot. And Darren McGavin will also, as Paul Wendkos, prefer the small screen career. This film noir confirms the previous talent shown by Wendkos in THE BURGLAR, another crime film, solid, taut as this one, but for another story. A true good piece of work, solid material for noir gems seekers.

The Case Against Brooklyn is a terrific 1958 movie based upon a real New York police scandal. It's a very well crafted crime drama, typical of the era. A classic piece for the times. And there's plenty of great acting (keeping in mind this was filmed in the 1950's where action moves were exaggerated).

Darren McGavin is excellent as the chief undercover officer who tries to discover the highest levels of the corruption. If you're a fan of current day crime/dramas, movies like "The Case Against Brooklyn" are the movies upon which good quality crime/dramas have their foundation. That said, it was made in 1958. So it doesn't have the "gloss" of later films. None the less, it's fantastic to watch.

IMDB calls "The Case Against Brooklyn" a 'fact-based film'. What does that mean? Does it mean that the story is a true story? I have no idea, as IMDB, Wikipedia and other sources don't say anything more about this aspect of the movie.

The story is, of course, set in Brooklyn. The city is very ill-served by its police force, as many cops seem to be on the take...accepting bribes to help a huge bookmaking outfit. But they are not just bookmakers, but send out rough goons to collect...and they don't seem to mind hurting or even killing people in the process.

Because so many cops could be involved, the Commissioner decides to recruit a rookie (Darren McGavin) from the police academy to go undercover along with a fellow rookie. But the road is tough for the rookies, as the crooks and crooked cops will stop at nothing to silence them. What's next? See the film.

In some ways this movie is a lot like film noir. On one hand, the story is very tough, violent and unflinching...just like good noir. But, on the other, the usual dark cinematography and camerawork isn't present in this one...which isn't a problem as the script is quite taut and exciting. Well worth seeing...and a really good, gritty cop picture.

Apparently based on real events in Brooklyn, what I like about THE CASE AGAINST BROOKLYN is that it feels like an action film throughout, without the moralizing that usually accompanies noir docs. Very competent direction by Paul Wendkos.

Photography by Fred Jackman is first class, sharp dialogue in a gripping script, and solid performances from Darren McGavin (whom I have never rated highly as an actor) and statuesque Margaret Hayes.

It could so easily have gone the way of noir docs that peppered the movies in the 1950 - instead, this film holds its own and has its own personality. Recommended to anyone interested in noir.