Watch Where The Sidewalk Ends

Where The Sidewalk Ends is a thrilling crime drama film released in 1950 that still stands the test of time. Directed by the renowned Otto Preminger, the film stars Dana Andrews, Gene Tierney, and Gary Merrill in lead roles. Set in New York City, the movie revolves around detective Mark Dixon (Dana Andrews), a cop with a tough exterior and a rocky past. Dixon is an incorrigible man with a career on the brink of ruin, often crossing the line when the rules don’t yield results. As the film unfolds, he finds himself embroiled in a case that puts his job, his reputation, and even his life at risk.

The film opens with a scene showing Dixon inadvertently killing a suspect. The scene shows Dixon as a man struggling to come to terms with his conflict-ridden past, his career, and his love life. Hindered by his father's shady past, Dixon struggles to shake off the stench of his father's criminal background. He's been trying to make a name for himself in the police department but keeps running up against walls.

Things take a turn when another murder occurs, this time that of a gambling boss named Tommy Scalise (played by Gary Merrill). Dixon has had his sights set on Tommy for years, desperate to net him on some charge. When Dixon arrives on the scene, he recognizes the murderer's M.O. as that of Scalise's right-hand man, Ken (played by Craig Stevens). During Dixon's investigation, he accidentally gets involved in Ken's murder, prompting him to start covering up his crime by planting evidence in Ken’s apartment to make it look like Joe (played by Tom Tully) was responsible for the murder.

But things get complicated when Dixon develops romantic feelings for Joe's daughter, Morgan (played by Gene Tierney). With the law and his own conscience breathing down his neck, Dixon finds himself in a constant conundrum. He struggles with the right course of action: turn himself in, cover up his crime, or try to solve the murder before it destroys his career.

Where The Sidewalk Ends is a classic film noir, a genre famous for its hard-boiled detectives, moody sets, and crime and violence as an epic backdrop. The film portrays a gritty, unidealized version of New York, with slums and speakeasies as the primary settings. It's an intense film showing a man’s moral dilemma and the consequences of his actions. The cinematography uses light and shadows to create claustrophobic and atmospheric settings that add to the film's tension and grittiness.

The performances of the lead actors are exceptional, particularly Dana Andrews, who nails his role as the tough guy with a heart of gold. His performance shines when he's struggling to come to terms with his feelings for Morgan and the ethical implications of his actions. Gene Tierney also shines as the love interest, delivering a nuanced and intense performance as the daughter of a man wrongly accused of a crime. Her character development is particularly strong, with her relationship with Dixon evolving into one of the most powerful dynamics in the movie.

Where The Sidewalk Ends is one of the finest examples of noir at its best. It a gripping and suspenseful story that seamlessly blends the storylines of murder, romance, and crime. The screenplay is tight and keeps you at the edge of your seat from start to finish, delivering an intense and memorable cinematic experience. The film's themes and characters have continued to influence subsequent films and remains a treasure of filmmaking till today.

In conclusion, Where The Sidewalk Ends is a stunning cinematic experience that has remained a classic all these years. It's a must-watch for fans of the noir genre and can be enjoyed by movie aficionados of all persuasions. The keen direction, stellar performances, and gripping narrative make it an unforgettable and timeless film. In short, it's a movie that deserves to be watched and enjoyed by everyone who loves great storytelling.

Where The Sidewalk Ends is a 1950 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.