Watch A Tattered Web

A Tattered Web is a crime drama film released in 1971 that delves into the themes of deceit, moral conflict, and the desperation that can arise from trying to protect one's personal reputation and family name. The movie stars Lloyd Bridges, who is widely known for his commanding screen presence, and this film is no exception as he embodies the troubled protagonist. Frank Converse and Sallie Shockley also star, contributing to the tense and gripping narrative.

The movie opens by presenting us with a seemingly ordinary family man, a figure of authority who has earned the respect of his peers. The protagonist, played by Lloyd Bridges, is a veteran police detective renowned for his integrity and dedication to the law, a man who appears to be the embodiment of justice and family values. As the plot unfolds, however, we begin to see the cracks in the facade of the perfect life that he has so meticulously constructed.

The tension begins when the detective's son-in-law becomes involved in a scandalous situation. In an effort to protect his daughter's happiness and the integrity of his family, he makes a fateful decision that spirals out of control. The once stalwart lawman becomes entangled in a web of deceit and corruption, wrestling with his conscience as he walks the razor-thin line between upholding the law and breaking it.

Frank Converse portrays the son-in-law, a character who initially seems to be of good nature but whose actions inadvertently set off a chain of events that lead to a collision course with disaster. The relationship between him and Bridges' character is complex, with undercurrents of trust, betrayal, and familial obligation adding layers to the growing tension.

Sallie Shockley portrays the detective's daughter, whose life and well-being become the central catalyst for the story's central conflict. Her portrayal brings an element of innocence and vulnerability, making her father's desperate measures to protect her all the more poignant and tragic.

As the story progresses, the audience is drawn into a muddled sphere where the lines between right and wrong are increasingly blurred. With each compromising decision that the detective makes, we see a man at war with himself, struggling to reconcile his duty as an officer of the law with his overwhelming need to shield his family from disgrace and harm. This internal battle is the nucleus of the film and is portrayed with an intensity that keeps viewers on edge.

The film's title, A Tattered Web, is a suitable metaphor for the situation that the detective finds himself in. What started as a single thread of a lie slowly unravels to reveal a tattered tapestry of deception. The web that he weaves becomes more intricate and ensnaring, posing the haunting question of how far a person will go to protect the ones he loves and the life he knows.

The detective's journey is a bumpy road filled with suspense, drama, and moral ambiguity. As he digs deeper into the incident that started it all, the stakes get higher, and the decisions he makes carry increasingly dire consequences. The film does an excellent job of showcasing how a moment of panic can lead to a lifetime of regret, and how one man's downfall can serve as a cautionary tale about the intoxicating and destructive power of lies.

A Tattered Web skillfully employs the grit and tension characteristic of 1970s crime dramas, complete with atmospheric cinematography and a score that underscores the dark and desperate mood of the narrative. As the investigation unfolds, the murkiness of the human psyche is explored, and the audience is left to ponder the real meaning of justice and whether the truth is always as clear-cut as it seems.

While respecting the audience's need for a satisfying resolution, the film masterfully navigates the complexity of its characters and the repercussions of their actions without offering easy answers or resorting to contrived plot devices. A Tattered Web becomes not just a simple story of crime and investigation but also a deeper examination of the psychological fall-out from a life-changing moral compromise.

In essence, A Tattered Web casts a shadow on the seemingly black-and-white world of crime and punishment, exposing the grey areas that exist within everyone, and challenging viewers to think about what they might do when confronted with similar circumstances. The combination of Bridges' compelling performance and the sobering narrative makes this movie a classic example of the crime drama genre and a thought-provoking experience for viewers.

A Tattered Web is a 1971 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.