Chicago Confidential

Chicago Confidential, directed by Sydney Salkow and released in 1957, is a gripping crime drama resonant of the Noir style that had reached its pinnacle in Hollywood throughout the past decade. This film, based on a novel by Matt Cvetic and compiled by veteran scriptwriter Bernard Gordon, has Brian Keith, Beverly Garland, and Dick Foran as its key players.

Brian Keith's powerful portrayal of the lead character adds life to this fast-paced, gritty thriller. Keith plays Jim Fremont, a tough but honest district attorney in the politically corrupt city of Chicago. As Fremont, Keith embodies the dedicated crusader ideal, fighting against notorious rackets operating within his city. His character is a dogged and principled investigator fighting a lopsided battle against an entrenched system of political corruption and organized crime.

Beverly Garland co-stars as Laura Barton, an influential newspaper editor who becomes a valuable ally for Fremont. Garland presents Laura as a strong, fearless woman, unafraid to challenge the criminal underbelly of the city or the politicians who turn a blind eye towards it, and her performance adds a fascinating dimension to the overall narrative.

Dick Foran assumes the role of Ken Harrison, a labor leader and old war buddy of Jim. His complex character tosses up the deceit and intrigue that are trademarks of the genre. The dynamic between these three characters, layered with tension, friendship, and subtle romances, adds a gripping aura to the plot.

Set against the backdrop of a corruption-ridden Chicago, the plot follows the tense journey of these three protagonists as they fight against organized crime, political corruption, and the pervasive sense of fear that keeps the city in its vice-like grip. The movie moves at a brisk pace, from courtroom scenes beset with high-stakes tension, gritty back alley encounters, newspaper offices frenzied with breaking news, and dark, smoke-filled dens of the Chicago underworld. Yet, in true Noir-style, sparks of wit and black humor give brief moments of levity within the narrative, making Chicago Confidential as entertaining as it is intense.

Chicago Confidential, in many ways, is a tribute to the enduring appeal of film noir and its narrative and stylistic elements. The screenplay is well-structured and narrated in a direct, no-nonsense manner, possessing the grueling intensity and moral ambiguities typical of crime dramas from the period.

The movie’s visuals are another profound aspect; the cinematography and lighting rely heavily on stark contrasts of light and shadow, effectively lending to the gritty atmosphere and heightening the drama. Gene Fowler, Jr.'s editing adeptly controls the film's pacing, making room for suspense to develop amid the high-energy action.

While this movie is rich in action, it also presents compelling commentary on corruption within systems and the power of collective resilience. Apart from the facade of a crime thriller, one can glean undertones of reflections on power, morality, and the human spirit's indomitability.

Director Sydney Salkow, known for his knack for high-adrenaline storytelling, offers some of his best work here. Despite being closely associated with several B-movie productions, Salkow showcases his remarkable ability to tap into engaging narratives with Chicago Confidential.

The performances of its star-studded ensemble, combined with its well-crafted narrative and striking visual style, makes Chicago Confidential an engaging watch. This 1957 classic blends the traditional elements of film noir with elements of mystery, suspense, and courtroom drama, resulting in a criminally underrated gem of the era. The movie is not only a treat for noir enthusiasts but for any film lover who appreciates a captivating tale of intrigue, power, and justice.