While the City Sleeps (1956) [Blu-ray]

I've read quite a few books by John Douglas, and overall, I really like them. He was supposedly an "underling" of Robert Ressler in the early days of profiling. Unfortunately, Mr. Ressler died a few years ago, from what I understand, but he did leave us with at least one valuable bit of terminology: the phrase "serial killer."Since I like Mr. Douglas' books, I decided to give one from Mr. Ressler a try, so this week I just purchased "Whoever Fights Monsters" (WFM). It's a very interesting read, so much so that I'd actually recommend it over what I've read from Mr. Douglas; as a matter of fact, I'm about one-third of the way through already, after only reading a bit the last couple of nights, and it is very entertaining.But if you read WFM, you'll learn that Mr. Ressler interviewed William Heirens -- "The Lipstick Killer" (TLK) -- in prison, I believe back in the late 70s. While the book is quite informative, it's actually quite humorous in many ways as well. Mr. Ressler actually kick-started the program of interviewing serial killers in prison -- many people incorrectly think that Mr. Douglas started the program (I was one of those people) -- in a very covert fashion. Mr. Ressler discusses how his strategy in the FBI was to "ask for forgiveness, not permission," because most new ideas for programs are shot down immediately by FBI heads, and he knew that interviewing killers would not go over well by most uppers in the FBI. After all, FBI agents are supposed to catch killers, not talk to them.Well, Mr. Heirens didn't give up much information during those interviews to Mr. Ressler, since by that time TLK decided it was in his best interest to just deny his crimes altogether. Not a bad strategy I suppose, if you think you can get a retrial. But many people now believe that Mr. Heirens was railroaded and therefore innocent, while Mr. Ressler makes it clear that the evidence against TLK was pretty overwhelming.But if you learn about TLK's crimes, and then watch this film, quite a bit of the story was changed. I suppose that's OK, although I usually prefer movies about serial killers to be as accurate as possible. "The Deliberate Stranger" is an example of a film, adapted from a very strong book about Ted Bundy, that was mostly true. But here, I found the acting by the gentleman who plays the Heiren's character to be quite laughable, while the acting of the rest of the crew was quite strong, particularly if you consider the era. But as other people have already mentioned in many of the reviews on this site, this film is really more about the newspaper and media business, and perhaps the games that go on behind the scenes, than about the killings.I bought this film, mostly because it was only a one-day rental I believe, and I wasn't convinced that I would finish it in one day. I can get a little distracted while watching films I'll admit, as I like to hit the pause button pretty often, head for the kitchen, and make tea, as an example. But since I bought "While the City Sleeps," I can now watch it again and again, if I want. And I know that I'll watch it at least one more time.And why?Well, this film is about 60 years old now, and as you probably already know, screenwriters in the "olden days" liked to write dialog that included "verbal jousting," for a lack of a better phrase. It probably is true that people, in particular men and women, interface differently over time, and so I will admit, some of the relationships and "sexual politics" were lost on me during the first viewing. I'm sure that, on the second viewing, I'll be able to more easily understand those relationships, and the overall film will make a little more sense.Well, if you're into true-crime, and you really want to see the dastardly deeds of a serial killer, this film may not be for you. But it is surprisingly funny at times, and without watching it a second time yet, I'm guessing that it will be worth a second peek.

"While The City Sleeps" is a late period film noir directed by Fritz Lang with a large roster of well known actors that displays how Lang's style had become very refined by the time of this film. Unlike many film noirs previously done, this one has quite the pedigree of actors that include Dana Andrews, Rhonda Fleming, George Sanders, Howard Duff, Vincent Price, Thomas Mitchell, Ida Lupino, James Craig, Sally Forest, and John Barrymore, Jr. Barrymore, is the son of the great actor John, as well as the father of Drew Barrymore. He plays the "lipstick killer" who is responsible for a series of brutal murders of women within New York City. The film is a multifaceted drama, in which two equally interesting threads-the lipstick killings and the competition for the New York Sentinel's editorship-are very well woven together. This is because Walter Kyne, Jr., played by Vincent Price, announces a competition among his staff which rewards the one who unmasks the will be named the paper's new editor-in chief. The well-seasoned cast do an excellent job, especially Dana Andrews, who plays prize-winning reporter turned television commentator Edward Mobley, and Thomas Mitchell, who plays fellow reporter and competitor, John Day Griffith. Both Ida Lupino and George Sanders are also excellent. The film's tone is very cynical, as would be expected in the world of film noir. There is an unusual reversal, in which the killer, who is portrayed as a "momma's boy", can actually be seen as more sympathetic than the newspaper's staff, who will do anything to get ahead and capture the prize offered. Actually, the fact that three men in the film would willingly use their girlfriends as "bait" to capture the killer, certainly does not speak well of their own fundamental humanity. Lang displays how an effective film noir can be created without a great deal of stylistic traits, specifically mood lighting or odd camera angles which are usually connected with film noir. Director Lang remains subtly expressionistic in his use of décor. I have always found the film to be a bit too "talky", but within the milieu of the newspaper's setting, the flow is quote natural. Yes, it is a stylistically understated noir, but the wheeling, dealing, and back-stabbing of the competing media players give it an effectively cynical tone, which fits right in with the noir features. The re-mastered dvd print is excellent, and the film is presented in widescreen, 16x9, 2:1 ratio. The running time is 99 minutes. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! SMRZ!!

This PAL-format Region 2 DVD is the best presentation so far of this superb -- and woefully underrated -- Fritz Lang movie. The film's virtues are myriad, as Lang and his screenwriters (using Charles Einstein's book The Bloody Spur -- itself based on the real-life 1940 case of the Chicago "Lipstick Killer") as a jumping off point present a briskly paced, multifaceted film noir thriller, laced with vicious social commentary about American culture, popular and corporate, in the mid-1950s and so much sexual innuendo that it probably put the censors on overload, which is how most of it got past them.But the movie's virtues are for another time and place. The DVD offers a crisper image than either the Warner Archives issue or recent presentations on cable television, and on that basis alone it's worth owning, if you have an all-region player with which to enjoy it. It's not perfect, but it's closer to what we'd like to see than any edition so far. The only bonus feature is the trailer, which is a shame, because if any Lang movie besides M ever begged for an audio commentary track, it is this one. But we'll take what we can get.

Make no mistake: This is an entertaining and well-crafted drama. It centers more on the newsroom drama and personalities than the inner workings of the serial killer, though. It has an AMAZING cast, which is why I watched it. Vincent Price, George Sanders, Dana Andrews, and Ida Lupino are all among my favorite actors. For Price and Sanders, though -- their roles do not have much depth. In contrast, Dana Andrews has a weighty and dramatic role, and is outstanding.The film lacks the atmospherics of a noir... But it is still entertaining and also provides a critique of the news industry in the 1950s.

Entrega e produto nota 10

A well made, entertaining crime drama/film noir from the great Fritz Lang.Although I'm not a huge fan of Dana Andrews, who is the star here, there is no denying he starred in many classic films.I much prefer the excellent supporting cast of George Sanders,Thomas Mitchell, Howard Duff, Vincent Price, Ida Lupino, and B-movie actress Rhonda Fleming.The screenplay, by Casey Robinson, is outstanding, with lots of great dialogue, even a good dose of humour.The cinematography is by the highly respected Ernest Laszlo. The picture quality, remastered, is very good.With that being said, though, I didn't love the DVD itself. Why? Because it had no features whatsoever, and worse, no subtitles.Way too much money for such a bare bones package!

Une intrigue ironique , où le criminel n'est pas le personnage principal , dans une atmosphère parfois assez proche de Mankiewicz .Trois splendides créatures et un climat de sensualité bien prenant .De savoureux seconds rôles masculins .Une magnifique composition de Dana Andrews , en héros désengagé et élégant .Une photographie modelant à merveille les visages .Une mise en scène souveraine : fluide , caressante , tellement aisée ( toutes les scènes dans les locaux du journal ) , avec des accélérations foudroyantes du récit ( les meurtres et les tentatives , la poursuite ).Une parfaite connaissance de la bonne durée d'un film , comme on parle d'une " cuisson exacte " .Pas de VOST en français disponible à ma connaissance ( à un prix normal ) .Donc ne pas manquer , en attendant , cet import anglais avec les ST en anglais , ce qui suffit pour suivre le film .La copie est plutôt satisfaisante , à ma surprise ( définition et noirs fort corrects ) ainsi que le son . Aucun bonus notable .La question du format est évoquée par Lourcelles : il y a eu des copies en scope , qui devaient certainement changer profondément la perception du film ...

Not Fritz Lang best movie but still gripping. A behind the facade look at the on-goings inside a great newspaper.

Saw this movie when I was young and then on T.V. recently and just had to have it. Intriguing and one of my favourites is Rhonda Fleming .