The Enforcer

Trailer—The Enforcer

The double flashback.Interesting to see Mostel in a serious role. Gripping to the end - especially as, like me, you recognise the real life parallels.

THE ENFORCER is a classic slice of film noir starring the one and only Humphrey Bogart who brings a burning intensity to the role of a crusading district attorney determined to bring down one of the city's biggest crime bosses. It's a tough and gritty production from the outset, no nonsense throughout, with a particularly effective and nihilistic first half which shows the odds stacked against the good guys. A fine supporting cast and expert direction adds immeasurably to what is one of the genre's toughest productions.

This starts off powerfully, with a very interesting scene and some excellent film- noir photography, but after the witness dies, so does the movie in many respects. From that point on, it's just a bunch of flashbacks. When the "live" scenes reappear, they are not always easy to discern what's going on. The film also becomes too talky too often. However, the characters are tough and generally interesting, with some good acting. Film-noir-wise, despite the presence of superstar Humphrey Bogart along with guys like Zero Mostel, Everett Sloane and Ted de Corsia, it's average fare for the day. it could - and should - have been better.

This obviously is not one of Bogart's most famous films, it should be cause it is an entertaining film noir that holds your interest from start to finish. They don't make 'em like this anymore. The plot involves Bogart as a D.A., whose star witness in bringing the head of a murder racket to justice dies before the trial. In a lengthy flashback, Bogart retraces the case from the beginning, looking for some bit of testimony that might help him nail the killer before he gets set free. Bogart is good as his usual tough-guy self, and is trying to prosecute the boss man of a Murder Incorporated type of crime organization but keeps running into road blocks with people getting killed. Bogie plays it well although Bogie could play Mary Poppins and make it look good. At the end Bogie does what Bogie does well. This is a great movie. If you are a Bogart fan, this is a must have.

B Windust and Raoul Walsh's direction is first class, B&W cinematography scintillating, good screenplay, Adelaide Klein's elegance and beauty is timeless, and Bogart in good form, ably supported by Mostel, di Corsia, and the rest of a robust cast. Very neat ending, too.