Detective Story
Directed by William Wyler
Written by Philip Yordan and Robert Wyler based on the play by Sidney Kingsley
1951/USA
Paramount Pictures
First viewing/Amazon Instant Video
[box] Detective James McLeod: I built my whole life on hating my father. All the time he was inside me, laughing.[/box]
The movie portrays one day in the life of a city precinct, a little like a very dramatic “Barney Miller”. Several suspects are brought in including: a shoplifter (Lee Grant), a war hero who embezzled from his employer and the girl who tries to help him (Cathy O’Donnell), and two burglars, one of whom is about to become a four time loser.
James McLeod (Kirk Douglas) is a by-the-book detective who hates crime and criminals. He is actually intolerant of all human weakness or softness. He has been pursuing Dr. Karl Schneider (George Macready) for months for performing some sort of unnamed surgery that has killed mothers and their babies. The wily doctor and his lawyer are always one step ahead of him. As he is closing in, the lawyer accuses McLeod of persecuting Schneider due to a personal vendetta associated with his wife Mary (Eleanor Parker). McLeod’s reaction to this news threatens to destroy his marriage and life. With William Bendix and Frank Faylen as detectives.
I generally love Wyler movies but, for me, most of the acting comes off as if the performers were playing to the cheap seats on Broadway and spoils the experience. Joseph Wiseman as Charlie the three-time loser is especially egregious but even Douglas and Parker stray over the top at points. I did appreciate the struggle of Lt. McLeod and his wife. I only wish it had been more nuanced. I realize I am in a distinct minority here with regard to this highly rated film.
I was surprised at the amount of strong-arm tactics used by the police almost as a matter of course. Things certainly have changed – or at least this behavior is no longer accepted or condoned. I didn’t see the ending coming. It would be good to go into this one spoiler free.
Detective Story was nominated for Academy Awards in the categories of Best Actress (Parker), Best Supporting Actress (Lee Grant), Best Director, and Best Writing, Screenplay. Parker has the distinction of having the least screen time of any Best Actress nominee.
Trailer – cinematography by D.P. Lee Grimes (John F. Seitz uncredited)
