It is quite unlikely that I will ever watch a Bretaigne Windust movie ever but this was as good a start as any.
Made in 1951, it starred the iconic Humphrey Bogart in a solo lead role playing a district attorney out to trounce a group of hardened criminals.
Windust had built his reputation as a director on Broadway and his terse realistic style is brought to the fore in The Enforcer.
At 87 minutes, it must be one of the shortest thrillers ever made and even if it were any longer, you would've hardly noticed it since the movie had enough hooks and twists to keep you hanging to the edge of your seat.
A key feature of the movie is the non-linear narrative characterized by the number of flashbacks within flashbacks.
A noted appearance is that of Zero Mostel, the talented actor who is most remembered for his turn in The Producers.
Humphrey Bogart plays the quintessential tough lawyer with elan, poise and style that made him the legend that he was.
Based on a few real-life incidents of the days when a 'hit' and a 'contract' didn't mean words to be careful about for the local police, screenplay writer Martin Rackin maintains a brisk pace that never lets up in tension.
To cut to the chase, The Enforcer is a fine taut thriller that will grab your attention from the very first scene and hold you a hostage to its on-screen wares.
Rating: 7.4/10
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