Where the Sidewalk Ends (1950) is film noir at its best. How can a brutal cop murder a suspect yet remain the hero throughout? Leave it to the one-two punch of Otto Preminger and Ben Hecht to get it right and work their magic. Director Preminger manages to keep Dixon's character sympathetic, and Hecht's screenplay, adapted from a novel by William L. Stuart, contains enough twists and turns to keep you guessing as the film careens toward the satisfying ending. Where the Sidewalk Ends stars Dana Andrews, Gene Tierney, Gary Merrill, Tom Tully and Karl Malden.

An out-of-towner is slain at an illegal gambling den, and Det. Mark Dixon (Dana Andrews) catches the case. Dixon is sure hoodlum Tommy Scalise (Gary Merrill) is the murderer, but that doesn't stop the cop from going after Ken Paine (Craig Stevens). A few punches are thrown and Paine is down for the count - forever. With a reputation for brutality, Dixon knows he won't be able to talk his way out of this one, so through some elaborate maneuvers, he hides the body and the crime.

But Dixon doesn't count on falling for Paine's beautiful widow Morgan Taylor (Gene Tierney), and when Morgan's father is arrested for his son-in-law's murder, Dixon does whatever he can to try to get the innocent man exonerated without implicating himself. How can this story end happily for all concerned?

Costumes are designed by Oleg Cassini, and watch for the designer in a cameo role. The music is typical hit-you-in-the gut noir style - you don't have to decide if the scene is romantic or suspenseful. The sweet violins or blaring cadence make the decision for you. There's a bit more on-screen violence than usual for noir, and of course, everyone smokes. This isn't a film for the children, but adults and older teens will find it enjoyable.

Special Features:

Commentary by Film Noir Historian Eddie Muller, Still Photo Gallery, Theatrical Trailer

Director: Otto Preminger

Screenplay: Ben Hecht, adaptation by Victor Trivas, Frank P. Resenberg and Robert   E. Kent, from a novel by William L. Stuart

Cast: Dana Andrews, Gene Tierney, Gary Merrill, Tom Tully, Karl Malden

Rating: Unrated, not suitable for children

Classic Movie Guide Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

DVD Release Date:

Run Time:   94 minutes

Studio:   20^th Century Fox

Format:   black & white, full frame

Photo Credits: 20th Century Fox