Directed by Elia Kazan; produced by
Louis de Rochemont
In a small city in Connecticut, a
much-respected parish priest (Wyrley Birch) is inexplicably shot to death on
Main Street. Despite numerous witnesses - and intense public pressure - it
takes time for the police to find their man (Arthur Kennedy). But then the
prosecutor (Dana Andrews) is left with a bigger problem: he thinks the suspect
may be innocent.
Based on real events and real
people, Boomerang! is not really a
mystery - the solution to the murder is implied from the beginning - but is
nevertheless an involving and well-crafted story. The theme might very well be
that what is seen is often not what is. This theme begins with the killing,
continues with the witnesses and then spreads out to encompass almost all the
characters.
The crime, the investigation and the
subsequent trial are only a part of the movie; just as interesting are the
political machinations which push and pull the characters, and which reveal
much about them. The city in which the story takes place is under a ‘reform’
administration, which cleared away much of the corruption of the old regime.
Yet its members have their own agendas, some selfless, some not. Meanwhile, the
former bosses are hoping to make a comeback over the ruin of the trial.
Andrews does very well as the
upright prosecutor, who is not immune to the prospects of a reward, if he wins
the case and convicts the murderer. While he is trying to remain dutiful, he is
beset by doubts about his case: he has the evidence, he just doesn’t feel right
about it. Interestingly, Lee J Cobb’s police chief thinks ‘something doesn’t
feel right’ about the case against the suspect, yet he does the opposite of
Andrews and submerges his instinct in the facts.
Ed Begley plays a character he has
portrayed in various ways in different movies, someone whose surface image is
painted on a brittle shell, and whose emotions are ready to demolish
everything. Equally ambivalent is one (Sam Levene) of the many reporters on the
story: he knows well how despicable his publisher is, yet does what is required
of him - even while he may be able to get in a jab or two for truth, after all.
And then there is the nervous intensity of Kennedy as the prisoner, worn out
one moment, bouncing back with fury the next. These are all full-bodies
characters, well-written. (Karl Malden has a tertiary role but is uncredited.
Also uncredited is playwright Arthur Miller, as a suspect in police line-up;
perhaps he came to the film through his connection with Cobb, soon to be in the
Broadway production of Death of a
Salesman.)
The script aside from its depictions
of people is very good. It effectively conveys mob mentality and the
frustration of those who have to deal with it. It doesn’t make the public out
to be villainous; it becomes just another force that buffets the principal
players this way and that.
The direction is up to the level of
the script and the actors, though not as noticeable. It is to its credit,
though, that, while the opening narration states that the movie is based on
true events, what will eventually happen is in some doubt.
More of a suspense film than a crime
movie, with more drama than mystery, Boomerang!
is a well-handled, well-made story of the conflict and tension a crime can
create in a community.
Based on your description it would seem this movie mirrors what is happening even today in society. Never mind it was released over 70 years ago.
ReplyDeleteAs an historian, I am interested in such parallels. As a human, I am appalled. But it was a good movie...
DeleteI’ve written a blog post about the murder which inspired this movie (I’ve been planning to post it soon) but I knew little about the film itself. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI know a little about the real case but look forward to reading more in your usual detail.
DeleteGoodness! Year l was born...
ReplyDeleteBut! I remember this film..said it before
l know, but, l love those old B/W movies,
and one with a court case, even better,
and a fan of Dana Andrews, yes, that's
for me every time..!
And..Lee J. Cobb of course, an
American actor...
Best known for his performances in
On the Waterfront, 12 Angry Men..always
puts in good performances..one of the
old school..!