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Side Street (1950)

Rate: 8
Viewed: 1/09

SideST
1/09: Because of the intelligent story with above-average performances, Side Street is a worthwhile film noir.

Farley Granger and Cathy O'Donnell reteam after appearing together in Nicholas Ray's directorial debut film They Live by Night. I'm pleased with the former living up to the film noirish expectations by the way he moves, acts, and talks.

Yet I'm disappointed with the last ten minutes which shows the empty streets of New York City which is impossible. It takes away the credibility of the chase scene, reducing the realism factor.

The opening scene is similar to Sylvester Stallone's picture Cobra when he read aloud the crime statistics in a fascinating manner. At the same time, the car chase looks original, predating Bullitt by eighteen years.

All in all, Side Street is a well-made picture but has a disappointing ending.