Movie spotlight
While the City Sleeps
Jompa is unemployed - and not keen on getting a job. He still lives with his parents who are tired of his attitude about employment and regular hours. Jompa and his friends spend their time at nightclubs, cafés and doing petty crimes. While playing poker, Jompa becomes indebted to the criminal Kalle Lund. Of course, Jompa is unable to pay, but Kalle gives him a tip: an old fetcher has always a lot of money at home, and if Jompa could get his hands on the money, his troubles would disappear... Plot by Mattias Thuresson.
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Plot Summary
A ruthless newspaper editor, Walter "Honey Bear" Johnson, seeking to boost circulation, declares a war on crime and identifies himself as a serial killer known as 'The Shadow'. This sensational move puts him in direct conflict with the police and the desperate women in his life, including his estranged wife and a manipulative lounge singer, as The Shadow's real killings escalate.
Critical Reception
While the City Sleeps received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising its dark atmosphere and Fritz Lang's direction, while others found its plot convoluted and sensationalist. Over time, it has been re-evaluated and is now considered a fascinating, albeit flawed, example of Lang's later film noir work, appreciated for its complex characters and grim portrayal of media manipulation.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its tense atmosphere and Fritz Lang's distinctive directorial style.
Criticized by some for its convoluted and overly sensational plot.
Marsha Hunt's performance as the victimized victim, a refreshing change from her usual roles, is often highlighted.
Google audience: Audience reception for 'While the City Sleeps' is not readily available through aggregated Google user reviews.
Fun Fact
The film was originally intended to be a vehicle for actor John Garfield, but he was unavailable due to his blacklisting during the McCarthy era.
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