Watch A Bullet for Joey
- Approved
- 1955
- 1 hr 27 min
-
6.0 (1,197)
In the 1955 movie A Bullet for Joey, Edward G. Robinson plays an undercover G-man named Joe Manning, who is tasked with bringing down a communist spy ring operating in Canada. George Raft plays the leader of the spy ring, Eric Hartman, a suave and dangerous villain who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. Audrey Totter plays Vera, Hartmanâs girlfriend and an unwitting accomplice to his schemes.
The movie opens with Hartman and his men attempting to steal a new machine that can detect hidden uranium deposits. Manning and his team of agents are waiting for them, and a shoot-out ensues. The machine is destroyed, and Hartman and his men manage to escape. This sets the stage for a cat-and-mouse game between Manning and Hartman, with Vera caught in the middle.
As Manning tries to gather intelligence on the spy ring, he befriends Vera, who is unaware of Hartmanâs activities. Manning begins to suspect that Hartman has plans to blackmail a scientist who has discovered a way to create a new form of energy that could make traditional power sources obsolete. Manning also learns that Hartman has a connection to a well-known communist leader who is planning to visit Canada. Manning realizes that he must stop Hartman before he can carry out his plan to betray his country and his communist allies.
The film features a number of thrilling action sequences, including a car chase through the streets of Montreal and a tense shoot-out in a darkened apartment building. But much of the filmâs appeal lies in the interaction between Manning and Vera. Manning is tough and no-nonsense, but he has a softer side that comes out when heâs with Vera. The two have a genuine chemistry that keeps the audience engaged even when the bullets arenât flying.
Robinsonâs performance is top-notch as always, and Raft is convincing as the suave and sinister Hartman. However, itâs Audrey Totter who steals the show. Her portrayal of Vera is nuanced and complex, conveying both vulnerability and strength. When she discovers the truth about Hartman, she must make a difficult choice between loyalty and justice, and Totter makes us believe every moment of it.
A Bullet for Joey is a classic example of 1950s film noir. Itâs a tense and exciting thriller that doesnât skimp on the action, but itâs also a character-driven story with plenty of depth. The film is beautifully shot, with striking black-and-white cinematography that emphasizes the shadows and contrasts of the urban environment. The score, by composer David Raksin, is memorable and haunting.
Overall, A Bullet for Joey is a must-see for fans of classic film noir or anyone who enjoys a good spy thriller. Itâs a stylish and engaging movie that still holds up after more than 60 years. If you havenât seen it, give it a shot â you wonât be disappointed.
A Bullet for Joey is a 1955 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.