Watch The Racket

The Racket is a classic film-noir crime thriller directed by John Cromwell and starring Robert Mitchum, Lizabeth Scott, and Robert Ryan. Set in a corrupt urban society, the movie portrays the lives of police officers, criminals, and politicians as they struggle for power and control. The plot revolves around Captain Thomas McQuigg, a tenacious police officer, who is determined to bring down notorious gangster Nick Scanlon. McQuigg, a World War II veteran with a strong moral compass, is frustrated with the city's corrupt political and law enforcement system, which is heavily influenced by Scanlon and his associates.

With the help of an honest attorney, James A. MacCarthy, McQuigg launches a secret investigation into Scanlon's criminal operations. However, his efforts are hindered by corrupt officials, including Lieutenant Bill Dawson, who is in Scanlon's pocket.

When McQuigg's witness is murdered, he becomes more determined than ever to bring Scanlon to justice. Meanwhile, Scanlon is facing a power struggle with his former partner, a ruthless gangster named Joe Rico. As tensions rise, McQuigg and his team race to catch Scanlon before he can escape the city.

The Racket is a gripping crime drama that explores the themes of corruption, power, and justice. It features stellar performances from the lead actors, particularly Robert Mitchum, who plays the stoic, determined McQuigg. Lizabeth Scott also delivers a strong performance as Irene Hayes, a nightclub singer who becomes romantically involved with McQuigg.

The direction and cinematography of the film are impressive, with its moody black and white visuals capturing the grimy, oppressive atmosphere of the city. The score, composed by a young Elmer Bernstein, adds to the tense, suspenseful mood of the film.

What sets The Racket apart from other crime dramas of its time is its critical take on corruption and the abuse of power. The film is unflinching in its portrayal of the moral decay of society, showing how politicians and law enforcement officials can be corrupted by criminal influence.

Overall, The Racket is a classic example of film noir at its best. Its gritty storytelling, strong performances, and striking visuals make it a must-see for fans of the genre.

The Racket is a 1951 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.