While the City Sleeps (1956) Movie Review: A Thrilling Glimpse into Media Manipulation
This 1956 Noir Thriller Will Keep You on the Edge of Your Seat
Key Points
Fritz Lang’s “While the City Sleeps” stands out as a surprisingly mature and forward-thinking film, anticipating the patterns of ’70s and ’80s thrillers. It intertwines the chilling actions of a serial killer with a cynical examination of mass media heroics. Despite its modest budget, the film boasts a talented cast and delivers a gripping narrative that remains relevant today.
Plot Summary
The film opens with the death of Amos Kyne (Robert Warwick), a hypocritical newspaper magnate. In his final moments, Kyne laments his responsibility as a news provider while instructing his employees to sensationalize a recent murder, dubbing the perpetrator the “Lipstick Killer.” With Kyne’s death, his playboy son Walter Kyne (Vincent Price) inherits the business. Lacking his father’s business acumen, Walter devises a plan to create a new executive position to handle the company’s affairs. The catch? The position will go to whoever can catch the Lipstick Killer.
A Battle for Power
This announcement sets off a fierce competition among Kyne’s top editors. Mark Loving (George Sanders), the supercilious wire service editor, vies for the position against sleazy photo editor Harry Kritzer (James Craig), who has an advantage due to his affair with Walter’s wife, Dorothy (Rhonda Fleming). The shabby but occasionally ethical managing editor John Day Griffith (Thomas Mitchell) also joins the fray, adding to the tension.
As the editors maneuver for the coveted job, they attempt to sway their colleagues to their side. This includes the world-weary women’s reporter Mildred Donner (Ida Lupino) and the hard-drinking, womanizing TV news anchor Edward Mobley (Dana Andrews). Mobley, more interested in romancing Loving’s secretary Nancy (Sally Forrest) than in office politics, becomes a key player in the unfolding drama.
The Lipstick Killer
The Lipstick Killer, a drugstore delivery man portrayed by John Barrymore Jr., is an absurdly over-the-top character with a penchant for comic books. His bug-eyed, lip-twisting performance is both unnerving and almost comical. Despite his outlandish portrayal, he manages to evade capture by taunting the police with clues inspired by his favorite comics.
In a desperate bid to catch the killer, Mobley uses his television platform to provoke the murderer, calling him a psycho and a momma’s boy. This tactic is designed to lure the killer into targeting Nancy, but it does more to strain Mobley’s relationship with Nancy than to endanger her life.
Realism and Censorship
One of the film’s most intriguing aspects is its portrayal of characters with realistic sex lives, a rarity for films of the 1950s. The dialogue artfully navigates the boundaries of the period’s censorship, hinting at the characters’ indiscretions without crossing explicit lines. This approach adds a layer of authenticity and complexity to the characters, making them more relatable and engaging.
Office Politics and Psychological Drama
“While the City Sleeps” expertly blends office politics with psychological drama. The editors’ ruthless jockeying for power is underscored by their personal flaws and ambitions. The film delves into dime-store Freud to explore the killer’s motivations, adding depth to the narrative. The interplay of power dynamics, personal vendettas, and professional ethics creates a rich tapestry that keeps viewers invested until the final reel.
Performances and Direction
The cast delivers strong performances across the board. Vincent Price excels as the inept yet cunning Walter Kyne, while George Sanders and James Craig bring a sleazy charm to their roles. Ida Lupino’s portrayal of Mildred Donner is particularly noteworthy, capturing the weariness and cynicism of a seasoned journalist. Dana Andrews, despite his wooden demeanor, effectively conveys Mobley’s desperation and moral ambiguity.
Fritz Lang’s direction is masterful, utilizing noir aesthetics to create a tense and atmospheric film. His ability to weave together multiple narrative threads while maintaining a coherent and engaging story is a testament to his skill as a filmmaker.
Conclusion
“While the City Sleeps” is a hidden gem of the noir genre, offering a prescient look at media manipulation and the dark underbelly of the news industry. Its blend of thriller elements, character-driven drama, and biting social commentary makes it a compelling watch. The film’s ability to navigate the constraints of its time while delivering a mature and thought-provoking narrative is a testament to its enduring appeal.
Whether you’re a fan of classic noir or interested in the history of media and its influence on society, “While the City Sleeps” is a film that deserves your attention. Its themes remain relevant today, highlighting the timeless nature of its story and the brilliance of Fritz Lang’s direction.
Rating: 5/5
