Review of 13 Rue Madeleine (1947) by Xgary X — 02 Apr 2008
The first half of this post war-time drama is a straight propaganda piece, filmed in newsreel style, showing how the plucky ladies and chaps of the OSS were trained to sock it to the dreaded hun. This has some value as a historical curio, but it hardly makes for gripping drama.
Fortunately, half way through one of the operatives turns out to be a double agent, and Cagney himself parachutes into enemy territory to fulfil the mission. From here on in it becomes far more satisfying as Cagney comes into his own as his trademark no-nonsense tough guy and some atmospheric location based camera work nicely combines wartime bravado with some visuals and themes that would not look out of place in a film noir.
Rather dated, but a solid thriller that's pretty much carried entirely by Cagney's charisma.
This review of 13 Rue Madeleine (1947) was written by Xgary X on 02 Apr 2008.
13 Rue Madeleine has generally received positive reviews.
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