Watch The Naked Street

In the 1955 film The Naked Street, Farley Granger stars as a young man named Phil Regal who is eager to make a name for himself in the world of organized crime. One day, he sees a powerful gangster named Victor Santini (played by Anthony Quinn) gun down a man in cold blood. Rather than being frightened by the brutal act, Phil sees it as an opportunity to ingratiate himself with the mafia boss.

Phil starts working for Victor, doing odd jobs and running errands. He quickly rises through the ranks and becomes one of Victor's most trusted associates. However, Phil's ambition begins to get the better of him, and he starts to make moves to take over the gang for himself.

Meanwhile, Phil becomes involved with a young woman named Jo Ann (Anne Bancroft). Jo Ann is a singer at a nightclub that is owned by Victor, and she and Phil fall in love. However, their relationship is complicated by the fact that Jo Ann is already married to another man.

As Phil's power within the organization grows, he becomes increasingly ruthless and opportunistic. He starts to turn on his former allies, including Victor himself. Eventually, Phil's actions lead to a violent confrontation that forces him to confront the consequences of his choices.

The Naked Street is a dark and gritty film noir that explores themes of ambition, loyalty, and betrayal. Farley Granger delivers a compelling performance as Phil Regal, capturing the character's mix of charm, cunning, and ruthlessness. Anthony Quinn is similarly well-cast as Victor Santini, conveying the character's raw power and unpredictable temper.

Anne Bancroft is also a standout in the film, imbuing Jo Ann with a vulnerable yet strong-willed presence. The film's supporting cast is similarly strong, with a number of memorable character actors filling out the ranks of the various henchmen, cops, and informants.

The Naked Street is notable for its frank depiction of violence and its unsparing portrayal of the criminal underworld. The film's setting in New York City's bustling, neon-lit streets adds to its sense of realism and immediacy. Director Maxwell Shane keeps the pacing tight and the tension high, building to a gripping and tragic conclusion.

Overall, The Naked Street is a riveting and well-crafted film noir that showcases the talents of its impressive cast and crew. Its exploration of morality, power dynamics, and the human cost of ambition make it a timeless classic of the genre.

The Naked Street is a 1955 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.