CHICAGO CONFIDENTIAL (1957)

Chicago Confidential (1957)

• Genre: Crime, Drama, Film-Noir
• Director: Sidney Salkow
• Actors: Brian Keith, Beverly Garland, Dick Foran

"Chicago Confidential" is a crime drama centered around corruption and organized crime in Chicago. The film follows State's Attorney Jim Fremont (Brian Keith) as he attempts to bring down a powerful labor union boss, Artie Blane (Dick Foran), who has been framed for murder by a mobster trying to take over the union. With the help of his fiancée, Laura Barton (Beverly Garland), and honest cop Ed Wayne (Elisha Cook Jr.), Fremont unravels the conspiracy and fights to expose the truth, battling against corruption and deceit within the city.

Upon its release, "Chicago Confidential" was received as a solid entry in the film-noir genre. Critics appreciated its fast-paced narrative and the portrayal of the gritty underworld of organized crime. Brian Keith's performance as the determined State's Attorney was particularly noted for adding depth and intensity to the film.

• The film captures the essence of 1950s film-noir with its moody cinematography, featuring shadowy scenes and a tense atmosphere.
• The plot, while somewhat formulaic, delivers an engaging crime drama with twists and turns that keep the audience invested.
• Beverly Garland's performance as Laura Barton adds a strong female presence to the film, balancing the predominantly male cast.
• The themes of justice and integrity are central to the story, reflecting the era's concerns with corruption and the moral battles faced by those in power.

Overall, "Chicago Confidential" stands out as a notable film-noir from the 1950s, offering a gripping tale of crime and justice set against the backdrop of Chicago's dark and corrupt underbelly.