Foul Play
Foul Play

Movie spotlight

Foul Play

1955
Movie
80 min
Japanese

Private eye Bannai Tarao (Chiezo Kataoka) and his assistant Masako (Chizuru Kitagawa) investigate the mysterious murder of a baseball player who was killed in the middle of a game.

Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Director: Arthur LubinGenres: Mystery, Film Noir

Plot Summary

A former Marine, recently released from prison, finds himself entangled in a murder plot when he's hired to act as a bodyguard. He must clear his name and unravel a dangerous conspiracy before he becomes the next victim. The investigation leads him through a treacherous path of deceit and danger, where trust is a luxury he can't afford.

Critical Reception

Foul Play is a lesser-known entry in the film noir genre, often overlooked but appreciated by fans for its tense atmosphere and classic tropes. While not a critical darling upon release, it has gained a cult following for its straightforward mystery and efficient storytelling.

What Reviewers Say

  • A serviceable B-movie noir with a predictable but engaging plot.

  • Features a gritty atmosphere and a straightforward mystery that keeps viewers invested.

  • The film's low budget is evident, but it delivers on standard noir conventions.

Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this film is not readily available.

Fun Fact

The film was shot relatively quickly and on a modest budget, typical for many B-movies of the era that aimed to fill out double-feature programs.

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