The Mob (1951)

Johnny Damico botches a murder case and is suspended from the force. In reality, he is put undercover to identify the mysterious boss of the NY waterfront who has murdered everyone in his way.

Above-average crime drama is tough and suspenseful with a great cast, but Broderick Crawford sure-handedly runs the show.

Halliwell*: "Tough, lively thriller with effectively sustained mystery and a serial-like finale."

Maltin***: "Crawford is tough as nails as undercover cop...Sharp dialogue..., good suspense in this combination crime drama-whodunit."

A Little Romance (1979)

A French boy and an American girl, who go to school in Paris, meet and begin a little romance.

From memory: Likable, nicely made, but cutesy romantic comedy; Olivier's smirking performance, however, is a welcome distraction.

Halliwell (no star): "Treacly juvenile romance enriched by in-jokes and an enjoyably over-the-top star performance."

Maltin***: "Engaging film...A throwback to director Hill's WORLD OF HENRY ORIENT in its winning treatment of adolescence, but not quite as good. "

Born Yesterday (1950)

A million dollar Tycoon hires a tutor to teach his lover proper etiquette.

Competent and fairly entertaining comedy-drama made with wit and good timing;  Judy Holliday, however, steals the show.

Halliwell**: "Pleasant film version of a cast-iron box-office play, subtle and intelligent in all departments yet with a regrettable tendency to wave the flag."

Maltin***1/2: "... Garson Kanin comedy...Priceless Judy repeated Broadway triumph and won Oscar for playing quintessential dumb blonde."

The Private Files of J. Edgar Hoover (1977)

The story of the late J. Edgar Hoover, who was head of the FBI from 1924-1972 following him from his racket-busting days through his reign under eight U.S. presidents.

Well-played, but quite cursory run through J. Edgar Hoover's career that doesn't miss out on any of the many scandals, but oddly from an alomust unpolitical point of view.

Halliwell*: "Unreliable expose' with some interesting bits."

Maltin**1/2: "Sleazy bio...makes for great camp with its all-star lineup of real-life politicians - not to mention that cast!"

 

Hell's Bloody Devils (1970)

A government agent tries to break a Neo-Fascist group in California.

Black Angel (1946)

When a man is convicted of a singer's murder, his wife tries to prove him innocent...aided by the victim's ex-husband.

Exemplary Film Noir gem, and an excellent Cornell Woolrich adaptation, complete with a 'happy ending' that isn't happy at all. 

On second view: Good little Noir thriller, a bit pedestrian, but reaches Woolrich dimensions of dark dread in the finale.

Halliwell*: "Stylish but empty version of a tired theme, interesting for performance and atmosphere."