Review of The Naked City (1948) by Michael G — 25 Apr 2011
The Naked City is almost enough to piss off the Pope the first time you see it. Producer Mark Hellinger's narration starts off as an unexpected treat (spoken credits instead of a formulaic title sequence? I'm there!) but overstays its welcome & leaves you looking for his Off button.
Throw in some odd and random voiceovers for supposed atmosphere and you've got a disorienting and welcome opening 20 minutes. Once you get past that and Barry Fitzgerald as a human caricature The Naked City becomes a beautifully photographed and very well-directed detective story with sporadic film noir moments and a great ending.
This movie might seem a little hokey by today's standards, but that's only because it's been ripped off mercilessly for the last 2/3 of a century.
This review of The Naked City (1948) was written by Michael G on 25 Apr 2011.
The Naked City has generally received very positive reviews.
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