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• Classic Gem!

  • Jerry Sims
  • 11/7/09

  This is a movie that begs to be released on DVD. It is a fact-based story of the State of Louisiana's (notorious for corruption) Chief of State Police's campaign to deal with internal corruption. Keith Andes plays the role of protagonist, Francis Grevemberg, a former military man, given to following the rules. Corruption is depicted as rampant and embedded in the social fabric (probably not far from reality). Andes' attempts at major busts are initially thwarted by the corruption network, leaving him with the only option of exstablishing his own team. He eventually resorts to some more clandestine tactics, such as undercover operations. A battle of wills ensues between Andes and the mob boss played by Edward Platt. Andes' character wins in the end, and the mobsters wind up in jail. There are a number of interesting names associated with this film noir. In addition to several good supporting actors, the music score is provided by the great Henry Mancini, the script by the highly creative (and productive) Stirling Silliphant (Village of the Damned, In the Heat of the Night, The Poseidon Adventure, The Enforcer, Naked City, Route 66, Alfred Hitchcock Presents), and directed by Robert Gordon, who performs admirably on a tight budget film. An unexpected appearance is made by New Orleans' abstract painter, James Belton Bonsall, who at the time was involved in theater acting, a bit of film, and practicing his primary craft painting sets, etc. Film moves quickly, has good dialogue, and for the most part, good acting perfomances. Definitely worth a watch.

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