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6.6/10 • 158

1948-02-131h 51m

CrimeDrama

It couldn't happen... but it did!

In 1932, a cop is killed and Frank Wiecek sentenced to life. Eleven years later, a newspaper ad by Frank's mother leads Chicago reporter P.J. O'Neal to look into the case. For some time, O'Neal continues to believe Frank guilty. But when he starts to change his mind, he meets increased resistance from authorities unwilling to be proved wrong.

Directors
Henry Hathaway
Writters
James P. McGuire
Editors
James P. McGuire, J. Watson Webb Jr.

Top Billed Cast

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  1. James Stewart

    James Stewart

    P.J. 'Jim' McNeal

  2. Richard Conte

    Richard Conte

    Frank W. Wiecek

  3. Lee J. Cobb

    Lee J. Cobb

    Brian Kelly

  4. Helen Walker

    Helen Walker

    Laura McNeal

  5. Betty Garde

    Betty Garde

    Wanda Skutnik

  6. Kasia Orzazewski

    Kasia Orzazewski

    Tillie Wiecek

  7. Joanne De Bergh

    Joanne De Bergh

    Helen Wiecek

  8. Howard Smith

    Howard Smith

    K.L. Palmer

  9. Moroni Olsen

    Moroni Olsen

    Parole Board Chairman

Reviews2

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John Chard Avatar

John Chard

Aug 28, 2014

8/10

This is a true story. When a patrol cop is shot and killed, small time crook Frank Wiecek is tried for the crime and promptly sentenced to life imprisonment. Some 11 years on, tough cookie reporter P.J. McNeal gets involved with the case, the further he delves, the more he believes that Wiecek is innocent, but can he find evidence to back up his belief? Filmed in semi-documentary style by director Henry Hathaway, this James Stewart led noir thriller oozes realism from start to finish. It's actually the lack of gloss and glamour that is the film's trump card. Based on the real story of the Joe Majczek case in 1933, it's filmed perfectly on location in Chicago {where the actual events happened}, gloriously mood emphasised by Joe MacDonald's superb black & white cinematography, and scored with tonal adroitness by Alfred Newman. As intrepid Chicago Times reporter McNeal (based on real reporter Jim McGuire who was a Pulitzer Prize winner for his investigative efforts on this case), James Stewart lays down a marker for the more edgier character roles that would follow for him in the 50s. Here he plays it perfect as McNeal shifts from mere cynical newsman to an outright crusader of justice; and it's riding along with McNeal that this human interest piece lifts itself to great crime thriller heights. Along the way we find problems are encountered and police procedural techniques are scrutinised. All may not be as it first seemed, and this mysterious element ices what was already a delightful docu-drama based cake. There is not much else to say, it's a film I personally highly recommend, a fascinating story that is given top care and attention from all involved, mean, moody and yes, magnificent. 8/10

Media

  • Call Northside 777 poster
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Status
Released
Original Language
English
Budget
--
Revenue
--
Keywords
chicago, illinoisphotographic evidencebased on true storypolice corruptionjusticenewspaper reporterwrongful convictionperjuryclassified admurdered copstate penitentiarymurder caseenlarged picturemonetary rewardlying witnesseyewitness accounteye witness account