The Captive City (1952)

70% of users liked it
(53 ratings)

One of several early-1950s films to capitalize on the Kefauver Committee's investigation of organized crime, The Captive City stars John Forsythe as crusading editor Jim Austin. While Austin prepares his testimony before the Committee, the film flashes back to the events which led to this courageous… More One of several early-1950s films to capitalize on the Kefauver Committee's investigation of organized crime, The Captive City stars John Forsythe as crusading editor Jim Austin. While Austin prepares his testimony before the Committee, the film flashes back to the events which led to this courageous act. Victor Sutherland plays mob boss Murray Sirak, who has the entire police force of Austin's hometown under his thumb. Sirak in turns takes his orders from an unseen Mister Big, who of course is "above the law"--or so it seems. Based on the experiences of Time magazine reporter Alvin Josephy Jr. (who co-authored the script), Captive City contains the added fillip of a guest appearance by Senator Estes Kefauver himself. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 31 min.
Directed By: Robert Wise
Genres: Drama, Mystery & Suspense, Classics

In Theaters: Mar 26, 1952 Wide

Critic Reviews

Sean Axmaker, Parallax View
... a tough yet austere little crime story carved out of a small budget.
Ed Gonzalez, Slant Magazine
Cutting Citizen Kane and The Magnificent Ambersons definitely did Wise a few favors.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
One of the first crime films to use the Kefauver crime hearings as part of its expose story.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Randy T

John Forsythe is an honest, small town newspaper editor who tugs at a tiny thread and unravels an entire crime syndicate. An obscure but worthy little film noir bolstered by the the talented (and somewhat masculine) Miss Joan Camden.