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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A killing in a small town, June 4, 2005
Elia Kazan's third directing effort was "Boomerang!" - a solid murder drama that explores the sometimes polluting effect that politics exerts on the legal system. In a small town, a beloved pastor is murdered in the street, shocking the local residents. Dana Andrews plays the prosecuting lawyer trying the case: clearly the biggest assignment of his career. A shifty ex-serviceman (the talented Arthur Kennedy) is indicted and appears unquestionably guilty. But is he? Everyone involved in the case seems to have an ulterior motive, and Andrews' character is determined to see justice prevail. The Oscar-nominated story was inspired by a true case; Andrews portrays Homer S. Cummings, who later became U.S. Attorney General in the FRD administration.
Despite being a satisfying crime drama, "Boomerang!" is a relatively neglected film, especially among Kazan's outstanding canon. Why has it been ignored? All aspects of the film essentially are good to very good, including the acting and direction. Perhaps the film has been hurt by its matter-of-fact tone and slow-building plot; indeed, the film may a bit uninvolving for some audiences, at least until an undeniably thrilling final court scene. In addition, the stars (Dana Andrews, Jane Wyatt, Lee J. Cobb) are not marquee names; however, given its true life origins and the semi-documentary style, the movie actually benefits from a lack of star power. Finally, Kazan's other film that year also overshadowed "Boomerang!" - the multiple Oscar winner, "Gentleman's Agreement."
Overall, "Boomerang!" is an enjoyable foray into 1940s crime dramas that is well worth a look. Hopefully it will be released soon on DVD, allowing a larger audience to find this film.
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11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Part of the flowering of post war films, May 26, 2003
Dana Andrews had just appeared in the acclaimed Best Days of Our Lives, when Director Elia Kazan lured him to do this film. It is a fine piece of work as Dana Andrews plays a moral man in a political and moral quagmire of an ordinary American town. The documentary style was often repeated, but Kazan got it right first time.It is a feast of fine acting with the camera moving from one small story to another. There are so many good actors in this film, but Lee J. Cobb delivers the best as the old time police officer. This film was made just before the HUAC investigation of Hollywood which drove out social criticism of American life. It is an example of where Hollywood was going before the investigation strangled the life from Hollywood. The Best Days of Our Lives was another example of this type of film. It is direct and honest. The choice of ending where it is not made clear about the killer makes it all the more interesting. I have no idea why this film is not readily available on video. It is a small gem that repays viewing after viewing.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I can't wait for this to come out on DVD, June 29, 2005
This is a absolute manipulative movie. Manipulative in the good sense as it keeps you spellbound throughout, and has you wondering whodunit? It also does a very splendid rendition by Dana Andrews as the attorney who honors and respects justice and fair play, and not getting their man/woman. Probably something wasn't thought too much of back in 1947 a prosecuter who ends up defending a man accussed of murder. A forerunning plot that still doesn't see too much of the light of day now.
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