"Side Street" is a decent example of film noir. It has a VERY tough villain, cool cops and a generally decent plot. The only thing that keeps it from being among the better films of the genre is its main character--played by Farley Granger. The problem is that this guy is too weak and too difficult to like--and it's hard to have a guy like this supporting a gritty film.
The film begins with some nasty people blackmailing some rich guy. In the next scene, the lady accomplice is found dead--and it seems that the guy working with her NEVER leaves a living witness. However, a mailman (Granger) just happens upon the loot and he steals it. The villain has no idea who took the money and it's only when Granger tries to return it does he realize who he is--and, as I said, he hates to leave witnesses. Can the dope, Granger, manage to somehow come out of this alive? The best thing about the movie is the villain. He's cold, evil and brutal--and seeing him killing some of his victims is quite shocking--even today. In one scene, he kisses his girlfriend--and you see his hands slip around her throat and she's choked to death! Tough guy, that's for sure. However, the very strong and chilling nature of this guy is a HUGE contrast with Granger--who too often comes off as a bit of a weenie! Still, it's well worth seeing and won't disappoint.
The film begins with some nasty people blackmailing some rich guy. In the next scene, the lady accomplice is found dead--and it seems that the guy working with her NEVER leaves a living witness. However, a mailman (Granger) just happens upon the loot and he steals it. The villain has no idea who took the money and it's only when Granger tries to return it does he realize who he is--and, as I said, he hates to leave witnesses. Can the dope, Granger, manage to somehow come out of this alive? The best thing about the movie is the villain. He's cold, evil and brutal--and seeing him killing some of his victims is quite shocking--even today. In one scene, he kisses his girlfriend--and you see his hands slip around her throat and she's choked to death! Tough guy, that's for sure. However, the very strong and chilling nature of this guy is a HUGE contrast with Granger--who too often comes off as a bit of a weenie! Still, it's well worth seeing and won't disappoint.