Watch Docks of New Orleans

Docks of New Orleans is a thrilling film-noir from 1948 that takes place in the steamy, dangerous underworld of the titular city. The film stars Roland Winters as Charlie Chan, the brilliant and reclusive detective who is called in to investigate a spate of murders that have occurred in the area around the docks. Along with his trusty assistant Birmingham Brown (Mantan Moreland) and a beautiful nightclub singer named Billie Bronson (Virginia Dale), Chan sets out to unravel the web of suspects and clues that surround the case.

The film is masterfully directed by Derwin Abrahams, who captures the gritty atmosphere and suspenseful tone of the story with striking black and white cinematography. The film opens with a bang as a group of shady characters are seen loading a shipment of guns onto a boat bound for Havana. Soon after, a man is found dead in a hotel room with a bullet in his head, setting off a chain of events that will keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

Winters is perfectly cast as Charlie Chan, bringing a quiet intelligence and understated wit to the character. His trademark aphorisms and enigmatic observations lend an air of mystery to his investigations, and he is always one step ahead of the suspects as he peels back the layers of the case. His chemistry with Moreland is also a highlight of the film, as the two actors play off each other with impeccable timing and comedic flair.

Dale is a revelation as Billie, the nightclub singer who becomes embroiled in the case when her ex-boyfriend (and suspected smuggler) turns up dead. She is smart, tough, and sexy, and her scenes with Winters have a crackling intensity that adds another layer to the film's noirish vibe. She also gets to show off her singing chops in several musical numbers, which provide a welcome diversion from the tension of the plot.

The supporting cast is also strong, with standout performances from Willie Best as a jittery informant, and Douglas Fowley as a crooked dock worker. The film does a great job of creating a seedy, shadowy atmosphere that is both menacing and alluring, as we see the characters navigate the maze of alleyways and warehouses that make up the docks.

One of the film's strengths is the way it keeps the audience guessing until the very end. There are several red herrings and plot twists that keep the story interesting, and the resolution is both logical and surprising. The film also touches on themes of racism and political corruption, which gives it a timely relevance even today.

Overall, Docks of New Orleans is a well-crafted and entertaining film that showcases the talents of its cast and crew. From its moody visuals to its sharp dialogue and suspenseful plot, it is a classic example of the film-noir genre that will keep audiences engaged from beginning to end.

Docks of New Orleans is a 1948 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 4 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.