Boomerang (1947)

An Episcopal priest (Wyrley Birch) is shot dead while walking down a street at night. The public prosecutor (Dana Andrews) faces extreme pressure to convict an ex-soldier (Arthur Kennedy) for the murder but he has his doubts about the man's guilt. Based on a non fiction magazine story by Fulton Oursler and directed by Elia Kazan (GENTLEMAN'S AGREEMENT). Based on an actual 1924 murder case, like most such movies the "facts" are distorted for dramatic effect (or dramatic license if you prefer) such as hinting a minor character is the real murderer. Kazan gives the film a semi-documentary feel which adds to the movie's realism although certain scenes just seem phony even if they did happen. That aside, on its own and not taking into account that it's a "true" story, it's a compact (it runs under 90 minutes) solid crime movie with noir trimmings. With Karl Malden, Lee J. Cobb, Jane Wyatt, Ed Begley, Cara Williams and Sam Levene.