James Stewart is terrific in this 1948 documentary-style drama. He plays journalist Jim McNeal, who is sent to cover a story of a man who has been in prison for eleven years, for murdering a policeman found guilty – on the testimony of just one eyewitness (despite two other witnesses saying that he was not the killer). The film is based on the the true story of Joseph Majczek, although here his name is changed to Frank Wiecek.
Initially, McNeal is sceptical and thinks that Wiecek is probably guilty, and covers the story purely because his editor )Lee J. Cobb) wants him to. However, as he uncovers more about what happened, McNeal starts to believe that the man is innocent and becomes determined to try and prove it.
The documentary-style really works, with a voiceover – which isn’t overused and therefore isn’t intrusive – giving salient facts to the viewer, and showing the action through McNeal’s eyes.
This is the sort of role that James Stewart was perfect for – a crusader for truth – and he is just wonderful. He always has an immense likability, which means that it doesn’t matter if occasionally his character is irascible…and we like him for his tenacity.
The supporting cast are great too – especially Lee J. Cobb as McNeals boss Brian Kelly, and Kasia Orzazewski as Weicek’s mother.
I kind of guessed how things would turn out, despite not knowing the outcome of the real story at the time – and I was right – but nonetheless I found myself silently cheering McNeal and hoping that he would find the much needed proof of innocence.
Definitely an enjoyable film – exciting not because of action – but because of the viewer’s desire to see justice done. It’s not one of James Stewart’s most popular films, but it’s definitely worth seeing.
Year of release: 1948
Director: Henry Hathaway
Writers: Jerome Cady, Jay Dratler, Leonard Hoffman, Quentin Reynolds, James P. McGuire (articles), Jack McPhaul (articles)
Main cast: James Stewart, Richard Conte, Lee J. Cobb, Betty Garde
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