DVD Review: Robert Siodmak’s CRY OF THE CITY now on blu ray
CRY OF THE CITY
Directed by Robert Siodmak. Screenplay by Richard Murphy and an uncredited Ben Hecht, based on the 1947 novel THE CHAIR FOR MARTIN ROME by Henry Edward Helseth. Cast: Victor Mature, Richard Conte, Shelley Winters, Fred Clark, Debra Paget, Roland Winters, Vito Scotti. Released September 29, 1948 by 20th Century Fox. Running time: 95 minutes. Review source: Blu ray released by Kino Lorber.
One of top drawer noir director Robert Siodmak’s most atmospheric films, Cry of the City is a variation of the old story about two boyhood friends who grow up on opposite sides of the law. Richard Conte plays Martin Rome, a criminal who is recuperating from a shootout in which an officer was killed. Victor Mature is Lieutenant Candella, his boyhood friend who is among those investigating the crime. This isn’t the same dynamic as, say, Angels With Dirty Faces (1938) or Manhattan Melodrama (1934), where the duo are practically brothers. They are friendly, but with an understanding of each man’s position. Candella uses his connection to Rome’s family to gain information. Rome is cordial, but guarded, when the lieutenant visits him in prison.
An extra conflict is added to the story when Teena (Debra Paget), a young girl connected to Rome, becomes part of the immediate scenario. A lawyer (Berry Kroeger) representing another criminal plans to use Teena to frame both her and Rome for a jewel robbery they did not commit, in order to free his own client. Rome escapes from prison to prevent that from happening.
Siodmak chooses his shot composition so carefully, alternating between medium and long shots, then cutting to dialog-led close-ups. Using just the right amount of light, and framing each scene with shadows, the movie’s visual sense is among its most effective elements. Among the films visual highlights is a long scene where Rome escapes from prison with the help of a wily trustee (an appropriately off-kilter Walter Baldwin). The careful tension Siodmak creates as Rome goes through each bureaucratic step on his way out, from a fake name at the checkout desk, to an long elevator ride with a chatty guard, and the long walk down a corridor to the bright freedom that lies just ahead. Each step is carefully blocked and beautifully shot.
Another scene has Rome hiding in the dark, inside a door. Through the door’s window we see a brighter outside, a man running away. The man is still visible as his image fades in the background. In a tense dramatic confrontation with his mother, Rome’s figure looms over her in an imposing fashion, but she still comes off as the protagonist. He sits in the foreground, she rises above him in the background.
The performances by the capable cast further strengthen the film. Not only the aforementioned actors, but welcome veterans like Shelly Winters, child actor Tommy Cook, Fred Clark, Hope Emerson, and Roland Winters help round out the cast. Along with this being the film debut of Debra Paget and Vito Scotti, I must single out the solid dramatic performance of Betty Garde, who is today best known for her role as Thelma the maid on a classic episode of The Honeymooners.
Cry of the City tries to explore the complex relationships of a hardened criminal – friendships, family, and romantic and does so effectively, while carrying its basic narrative and offering its striking visuals. It ranks alongside The Killers and Criss Cross as among Siodmak’s best movies.
Kino Lobre’s blu ray of Cry of the City offers sharp imagery to further enhance Siodmak’s atmospheric visual choices. It is one of the company’s best film releases from its classics division and is most highly recommended. It is available here.