Detective Story

Year: 1951

Grade: B-

Country: USA

Director: Wyler

Review

a very theatrical film starring kirk douglas and william bendix; george macready also has a role as a villain, of sorts, who opposes douglas. both were better in paths of glory, but that’s to be expected. i didn’t like the theatrical feel of the picture, but i appreciated the dark underbelly of american society that it exposes. in this way it reminded me of a sirk film, but without the artistic flourishes. because of the theatrical feel the film felt claustrophobic, though this may have been part wyler’s intention.