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THE PHENIX CITY STORY (1955). Had never heard of this until recently, but checked it out and pretty good albeit very hard hitting Noir. Small town is in the grip of graft and corruption by local mob and not much chance of being toppled as most of the law enforcement are involved as well. A small group of citizen's are helping to "clean up" the town, but what sacrifices will be involved? This is based on a true story, although some things were changed around.
This gets pretty intense, very much like THE BIG HEAT or TV's THE UNTOUCHABLES and surprised a lot of the violence (some scenes still shocking) and sexual innuendo (Meg Myles, a Pin-Up/Torch singer is quite provocative in her scenes) made it past the censors. Decent cast with John McIntyre (PSYCHO), Kathryn Grant (SEVENTH VOYAGE OF SINBAD) and Richard Kiley in his film debut.
Worth a look-if Your copy has Clete Roberts (a real life TV man, who was also in a couple of MASH episodes) at the beginning, fast forward as He interviews People on who the film was based. Almost a walking "Spoiler alert" and almost 15 minutes before the story begins...really should have been a " Special Feature". ***
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