DVD Review: Shield For Murder
William McGivern’s novel is the source material for this 1950s film noir indie where Edmund O’Brien plays a crooked detective who kills a bookie for the $25,000 he is carrying. He must cover up his corruption with the department, but also must be careful of the racketeer to whom the bookie was delivering the money. He is covering it up well when a deaf mute who witnessed everything shows up at his precinct. When bribery doesn’t work, he must commit another murder in order to cover his tracks.
O’Brien is good as a tough, short-tempered detective, weary of his life and committing corruption to get ahead quickly, not only for himself, but also his young, attractive girlfriend. Being an indie production for a low budget, the cast is rounded out by supporting players and B actors whose familiar faces add to the enjoyment of the already entertaining movie. Vito Scotti, Richard Deacon, William Schallert, Carolyn Jones, Claude Akins, and Stafford Repp (making his screen debut), are recognizable in smaller roles.
John Agar effectively plays the detective who defends accusations against O’Brien’s corruption while investigating it on his own. Herbert Butterfield is measured and striking as a police reporter. Hugh Sanders is appropriately menacing as the racketeer. Emile Meyer anchors his scenes in a strong portrayal as the police captain. The only weak link is Marla English in the femme lead, who offers a stiff performance especially in comparison to the talent by which she’s surrounded.
As a director, O’Brien (with assistance from producer Howard Koch), does not define a particular style, but does an especially nice job with shot composition never limiting his camera movement, nor overdoing it. In one particular scene, where his brooding screen character snaps and viciously beats a gangster, O’Brien closes in on his character’s face, beads of sweat forming on his brow, a smug and satisfied expression after he finishes the beating. The expansive long shots and tight editing during the exciting climactic chase are also particularly impressive. O’Brien would direct only one other film.
Often low budget independent B productions offer another level of entertainment, and this 50s-era noir is a good example. It is taut, brutal, well written, well directed, and well acted. The blu ray from Kino Lorber offers a sharp image from an excellent pre-print source. Highly recommended as an excellent example of independent filmmaking at its most effective.
The blu ray can be ordered here