Review of Edge of the City (1957) by Tanya P — 23 Aug 2009

Adequate social (racism) drama from the later fifties. Clear-cut story which gives an enlightening insight into certain social relations at the time. It must be noted, however, that it seems to be trying just about a bit too hard to be politically correct and perhaps even utopian.

Authoritarian assholes are white, whereas nice, warm-hearted, sensible people are black. Furthermore, I wonder how realistic it was for a black man back in 1957 to be in such a senior position on the workfloor and to have a wife who is said to have given up on her career because of her marriage.

And would the police really bother that much about who was responsible for the death of a black worker? Also, I think this movie wastes too much time on the display of friendships, causing some other important aspects of the plot (Axel's relationship with his parents, the solving of the murder case) to become somewhat snowed under.

The final scene is spectacular, but not too realistic (why not just inform the police and leave it at that?).