Review of Call Northside 777 (1948) by Kevin R — 26 Jun 2014

My boy, someday he get out.

A mother becomes well known for her story of raising $5,000 over ten years by scrubbing floors. She has saved this money as a reward for information to get her son, who has been locked up for ten years, out of jail. A newspaper reporter reluctantly takes the story and listens to her tell her tale. He spins her story into an investigation that unlocks clues that may indeed save her boy.

"Why don't you be a good guy and don't be here when I get back?".

Henry Hathaway, director of True Grit, How the West was Won, Niagara, the Sons of Katie Elder, Nevada Smith, From Hell to Texas, Circus World, and Rawhide, delivers Call Northside 777. This is an interesting thriller that indirectly tells a crime drama. The acting is what makes the film work as James Stewart, Richard Conte, Lee Cobb, and John McIntire all deliver great performances.

"I want her to be right.".

I grabbed this movie off Netflix since it was set to expire and not be available online this week. I am a James Stewart fan but find his films a bit inconsistent. He delivers this role perfectly. It isn't my favorite film of his, as the plot kind of hums along but isn't overly unique or unpredictable. I do recommend seeing this, but the movie isn't great as much as those involved in it are.

"I earned it. Every penny.".

Grade: B+/A-.