Movie spotlight
This film is a revealing portrait of a tough cop with a big heart. Sergeant Bernie "Whistling" Smith walks the beat on Vancouver's Eastside, the hangout of petty criminals, down-and-outs and a variety of characters. His policing is unorthodox. To many drug users, petty thieves and prostitutes in this economically depressed area he is more than the iron hand of the law, he is also a counsellor and a friend.
A disgruntled former cop, Gus Smith, who has been working as a private investigator, is hired to look into the mysterious death of a young woman. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a conspiracy involving powerful people and a dark secret that threatens his own life. Smith must race against time to expose the truth before he becomes the next victim.
Whistling Smith received mixed to negative reviews from critics upon its release. While some praised its gritty atmosphere and McGavin's performance, many found the plot convoluted and predictable. Audiences also showed little interest, contributing to its under-the-radar status.
The film struggles with a convoluted and underdeveloped plot.
Darren McGavin delivers a solid performance as the weary detective.
Lacks the suspense and tension expected from a thriller.
Google audience: Audience reception data is not readily available for this film.
Although directed by Richard Quine, known for his comedies and musicals, 'Whistling Smith' was an attempt at a darker, grittier film, which diverged significantly from his previous work.
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Almost fifty years later, this is still quite an interesting look at the much more hands-on approach to urban policing taken by Sgt. Bernie Smith. He prefers to walk the beat of his central Vancouver district and apparently acts as a signif...