The Naked City is a 1948 American film noir directed by Jules Dassin, featuring Barry Fitzgerald and Howard Duff. The movie, shot partially in documentary style, was filmed on location on the streets of New York City and features landmarks such as the Williamsburg Bridge.
The film received two Academy Awards, one for cinematography for William H. Daniels, and another for film editing to Paul Weatherwax.
A degree of patience is required with this film because while it starts out as a generally talkative mystery story, thanks to a final cops-and-robbers "chase" through East Side Manhattan and on the Williamsburg Bridge, it is whipped up to a roaring 'Hitchcock' end.
In 2007, The Naked City was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".
Find out more about the movie here.
Reviewer:
FilmNoirLvR
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
March 3, 2024
Subject:
Edge of your seat excitement!
One of the best Film Noir crime movies out there! The story line narrated by Mark Hellinger, makes this a top-notch detective story. Filmed entirely in NY, for us NYers who grew up in that era, makes us feel at home with the filming of all the familiar locations of the city. The acting in superb and on cue. Barry Fitzgerald as the detective team leader is outstanding as well as Ted de Corsia as the hoodlum. This is a must see for any lover of film noir crime mysteries.
Reviewer:
The Spanman
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
May 1, 2023
Subject:
The Nitty Gritty City
This is one of the greatest detective films ever produced. Barry Fitzgerald plays a signature role as Detective Daniel Muldoon. There was no let up in the acting during this grueling summer in NYC. You can practically feel the dog days in Manhattan, as this movie was filmed entirely on scene. Howard Duff plays a first class supporting role, as does Ted De Corsia, who is the film’s quintessential tough guy. A TV Series was made based on this movie by the same name. Imitation is the highest form of flattery.
Side note: The young girl on the swing, who gave Detective Jimmy Halloran Garza’s address, was played by my wife’s aunt, Rose Badalamenti. Rose is still living and has many children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Reviewer:
McNamaraCanada
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
March 13, 2022
Subject:
Thank you, great views of NYC
This is a captivating movie. Had seen it before, but it is still not the movie that I am trying to find. The one I wish to see again is also all in black and white, the only colour is a red ball that is bounced off of a wanted poster.
Reviewer:
noir addict
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
December 3, 2021
Subject:
The Naked City
EXCELLENT MOVIE!!! Fitzgerald should have won best actor. All are excellent actors. Very entertaining and I missed this one. The title confused me into thinking I had seen the movie before. Love these forties movies.
Reviewer:
J. Goodwin
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
March 9, 2021
Subject:
One of the best ...
This is an excellent movie. Barry Fitzgerald is perfect in the role of Muldoon, but the whole cast is excellent.
Want to see what America was like in the golden years? Watch this film.
Live Music Archive
Librivox Free Audio
Metropolitan Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Internet Arcade
Console Living Room
Books to Borrow
Open Library
TV News
Understanding 9/11
