Robert Siodmak's classic film noirs include "The Killers" (1946) and Criss Cross (1949). This 1948 film "Cry of the City" is a relative rarity and was almost forgotten until restored some years ago. I have been watching film noir for some years and was surprised when I discovered this film here on Internet Archives.

The film is set in New York City and tells the story of two men, a hardened criminal Martin Rome (Richard Conte) and a detective, Vittorio Candella (Victor Mature) who both grew up on the streets in the Italian area of the city. Rome is a killer and Candella works ceaselessly to bring him in.

The plot is the least important aspect of the film. The movie does portray the "Cry of the City" in the scenes of city streets, poor neighborhoods, and New York City downtown in the rain. The characters are sharply drawn and eccentric, including the two principals, a young girl involved with Rome, a corrupt lawyer, and a virago masseuse with a criminal mind of her own. There is a mixture of grit, deceit,violence, and a sense of hope in this film.

Film noir can tend to become formulaic. Still I have come to love the genre and there are always outstanding films to discover. This little known film is one of these.

Robin Friedman