Phenix City Story (1955)

The true story of the venal and corrupt Phenix City, Alabama (known as "sin city" because of its gambling, drugs and prostitution) and how the political assassination of its honest state Attorney General nominee (John McIntire) outraged its citizens and martial law was declared in an attempt to rid the city of its criminal element. Directed by Phil Karlson, the film is filmed in a faux semi documentary style. What stands out the most about the film is its depiction of the graphic violence and brutality (including the cold blooded murder of a black child) that occurred and which the film doesn't flinch from. It's crude, even awkward, film making but you can't deny its raw power. Unfortunately, the film begins poorly with a stone faced broadcast journalist, Clete Roberts, interviewing some of the actual citizens and participants of the story. While it may have been effective in 1955, today it comes across almost as a parody of itself and it does Karlson's visceral film an injustice. In fact, some prints excise it altogether. The large cast includes Richard Kiley, Kathryn Grant, Edward Andrews, James Edwards, Biff McGuire, John Larch, Jean Carson and Meg Myles.