Enforcer (1951)

Buy This Item Enforcer (1951) by Republic Pictures  Available from Amazon  $9.98  on 8-28-2008     Humphrey Bogart stars as a crusading district attorney working against the clock to prosecute a mob boss in this suspenseful picture that should appeal to crime completists and fans of the iconic actor. Based on actual court cases, the plot unfolds largely in flashback as Bogart reviews his case against vicious racketeer Everett Sloane, who has killed off anyone that has threatened to testify against him. Capably directed by Bretaigne Windust (with uncredited help from Raoul Walsh, who shot most of the film's most suspenseful moments, including the nail-biting conclusion), <I>The Enforcer</I>'s standard law vs. the mob plotline benefits greatly from its unusual structure, as well as Bogart's solid presence and a terrific supporting cast, which includes an early turn by Zero Mostel. The opening narration is provided by Estes Kefauver, who was chairing a Senate investigation into organized crime at the time of the picture's release. <I>--Paul Gaita</I> Reader Reviews Elsewhere in this space I have noted my love for film noir. The black and white photography, the story lines, the sparse and functional language. However, not all film noir is created equal and that is the case here. Humphrey Bogart was a classic match for the genre-tough, rugged, resolute, resourceful and always loyal to a pal come what may. Here he plays a little against type as the do good but hard-headed assistant district attorney sworn to break up what at the time was called Murder, Incorporated, a seemingly motiveless murder for profit operation. I suppose if one wanted to stretch the point it might seem a metaphor for the capitalist system. But even as metaphor it is rather ham-handed. The only thing that saves this one is that as the plot unfolds in a flashback you get a look at how all the pieces fit together about how the bad guys did it and how justice was done in the case. But mainly put this one on the back burner.

Enforcer (1951) Available from Amazon Price: $9.98 Updated on 8-28-2008.

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