Despite having a good cast, this fails to be a good film. There are some good performances from Victor Mature and Debra Paget, and the director really makes Mature look as though he can act. Paget gives a grounded performance, and Richard Conte is doing what he is known for. There is a big lady who attempts to strangle Conte in the film. I remember seeing her in 'Westward the Women'. It's good seeing Mature square up against Conte. It's almost like 'Kiss of Death' where Richard Widmark challenges Mature. However, it is everything in between these challenging scenes that make this film dull. The problem is with the script rather than the performances. An actor can only pursue truth if the script is truthful. If the script is not truthful then the film is just a calling card of truthful performances.
Review of Cry of the City
