The Sellout (1952)

A respected newspaperman (Walter Pidgeon) goes after the vicious petty dictator of a sheriff (Thomas Gomez) who holds a small town in his iron fist. In the midst of his campaign to expose the corruption, the newsman suddenly stops his crusade against the sheriff and leaves town. Why? Directed by Gerald Mayer (DIAL 1119), this is a nifty little noir-ish slice of suspense that although fictional, feels like those 20th Century Fox based on an actual events noirs like BOOMERANG (1947) and CALL NORTHSIDE 777 (1948). The film passed without notice (a flop at the box office) and isn't much remembered today but I found it a very satisfying viewing experience. The cast is good and director Mayer keeps it tight and lean (it runs under 90 minutes). Noir fans should be pleased. With John Hodiak, Karl Malden, Audrey Totter, Cameron Mitchell, Paula Raymond, Jeff Richards and Whit Bissell.