Movie spotlight
Beloved priest Father Thomasino is murdered in a San Francisco alley, and the police have few clues. But traffic cop Joe Martini becomes obsessed with finding the killer; he suspects Sylvio Malatesta. Ordered off the case, Joe turns in his badge and investigates alone. Soon he is a close friend of the Malatesta family, all delightful people, especially lovely cousin Anna. Uncertain whether Sylvio is guilty or innocent, Joe is now torn between old and new loyalties.
A young dockworker, Joseph "Joe" Rittelson, finds himself drawn into the criminal underworld after becoming entangled with a beautiful singer and a notorious mob boss. He attempts to go straight, but his past and the dangerous alliances he's made make it a perilous journey. The film explores themes of ambition, betrayal, and the struggle for redemption in a gritty, urban landscape.
The Midnight Story received mixed to positive reviews upon its release, with many critics praising Tony Curtis's performance and Douglas Sirk's direction. While not a commercial blockbuster, it has gained a cult following over the years for its compelling narrative and noir atmosphere. Modern assessments often highlight its effective blend of melodrama and crime elements.
Praised for its atmospheric noir elements and engaging plot.
Tony Curtis delivers a strong performance as a man caught between worlds.
Douglas Sirk's direction provides a sense of tension and visual style.
Google audience: Audience reception data for Google reviews is not readily available for this older film, making it difficult to summarize specific user likes or dislikes.
Douglas Sirk, primarily known for his melodramas like 'All That Heaven Allows' and 'Imitation of Life,' directed 'The Midnight Story' as a foray into the film noir genre.
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Tony Curtis is a keen San Francisco cop ("Joe") who is convinced that the killer of a local priest is none other than local crab fisherman "Malatesta" (Gilbert Roland). There's no evidence, though, and that man has a fairly cast iron alibi....
This Martini is shaken but not stirred. The Midnight Story (AKA: Appointment With A Shadow) is directed by Joseph Pevney and written by Edwin Blum and John Robinson. It stars Tony Curtis, Marisa Pavan, Gilbert Roland and Jay C. Flippen....