This 1960 release was interesting and enjoyable. It tells of gangster Louis "Lepke" Buchalter and his bloody confederation of hirelings used to terrorize the nation.
Set in the 1930s, it opens with a murder. It ends with more murders. In the meantime, we meet the gangsters holding sway over New York and other parts of the country. We also meet the lawmen and lawyers who are determined to break the gangsters' grip.
There's a bunch of notable actors in this one. In his debut film, Peter Falk is chilling as cold-blooded killer "Abe Reles". He's quick with a blade or a quip, and completely without remorse. Stuart Whitman is "Joey", no choirboy but possessing a conscience. He gets pulled into the dirty life of the syndicate, and desperately wants out. His girl "Eadie" (May Britt) is alluring and loyal. Her loyalty to Joey is put to the test over and over again.
David J. Stewart is "Lepke", the syndicate head whose outward calm belies a relentless focus. He's determined to hold on to his place at the top of the organization. He'll order a hit on whoever gets in the way of his business goals.
Simon Oakland, Morey Amsterdam and Vincent Gardenia have key roles as well. Also, look for the legendary Sarah Vaughan singing in one scene in an after-hours club.
The story is presented at times in a near-documentary style. For those who remember the "Untouchables" television series with Robert Stack, this movie will feel familiar.
I got a kick out of it. Cool story, great ensemble of acting talent. Check it out when you have the time.
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