“The Enforcer” (1951)

Drama

Running Time: 85 minutes

Written by: Martin Rackin

Directed by: Bretaigne Windust

Featuring:  Humphrey Bogart, Zero Mostel and Everett Sloane

D.A. Martin Ferguson: “You think you can shut people up by killing them, but you’re wrong. Maybe not in the courtroom but they’ll be talkin’ to you, Mendoza! At night when you’re trying to sleep!”

Critical Commentary

“The Enforcer” is a classic film-noir crime drama released in 1951, directed by Bretaigne Windust and Raoul Walsh. Starring Humphrey Bogart and Zero Mostel, the film follows a dedicated police officer as he investigates a ruthless crime syndicate.

Humphrey Bogart delivers a solid performance as the lead character, Detective Inspector Frank O’Brien. Bogart’s portrayal showcases his trademark toughness and charisma, capturing the essence of a hardened cop determined to bring down the criminal organization. His gritty and no-nonsense approach to the role adds depth and authenticity to the character.

The film explores themes of corruption, loyalty, and the pursuit of justice. It delves into the moral dilemmas faced by law enforcement officers when dealing with a criminal syndicate that seems to have infiltrated every level of society. The plot unfolds with a good balance of suspense and action, keeping the viewers engaged throughout.

The supporting cast, including Zero Mostel as Joseph Rico, the mob boss, and Ted de Corsia as Big Babe Lazick, provide compelling performances. Mostel’s portrayal of Rico brings a sense of cunning and menace to the character, while de Corsia’s portrayal of Lazick exudes a quiet but imposing presence.

The direction by Bretaigne Windust and Raoul Walsh is competent, effectively capturing the dark and gritty atmosphere synonymous with the film-noir genre. The cinematography is well-executed, utilizing shadowy lighting and claustrophobic settings to heighten the sense of tension and danger.

One of the film’s standout elements is its intense and well-choreographed action sequences. From shootouts to tense confrontations, the action scenes are executed with precision and effectively capture the danger and excitement of the situations. While “The Enforcer” is a solid crime drama, some viewers may find that the film adheres to certain genre conventions and tropes, making it somewhat predictable at times. However, it’s important to consider that the film was released in 1951 when these conventions were not as well-established as they are today.

“The Enforcer” is an engaging crime drama that showcases Humphrey Bogart’s talent as a leading man. With its well-paced narrative, strong performances, and atmospheric direction, the film remains an enjoyable watch for fans of classic film-noir and crime thrillers.

Additionally, “The Enforcer” presents a captivating depiction of the criminal underworld and the challenges faced by law enforcement during that era. It offers a glimpse into the social and political climate of the time, reflecting the concerns and anxieties of post-war America.

The film’s screenplay, written by Martin Rackin and Ben Roberts, effectively captures the essence of the film-noir genre. The dialogue is sharp and punchy, showcasing the tough and often cynical nature of the characters. It also touches upon themes of betrayal, redemption, and the complexities of the criminal justice system.

Furthermore, the film tackles issues of police corruption and the internal struggle faced by Frank O’Brien as he navigates a world where trust is a scarce commodity. This adds a layer of depth to the narrative and elevates it beyond a typical crime drama. The production design and set pieces of “The Enforcer” contribute to the overall atmosphere of the film. The dimly lit streets, smoky bars, and rundown buildings create a palpable sense of grit and despair. These visual elements effectively immerse the audience in the noir aesthetic, enhancing the film’s overall appeal.

It’s worth noting that “The Enforcer” may not have the same level of acclaim as some of Humphrey Bogart’s other iconic films, such as “Casablanca” or “The Maltese Falcon.” However, it remains an important entry in his filmography and a solid addition to the film-noir genre. “The Enforcer” is a captivating crime drama that showcases the talents of Humphrey Bogart and delivers an engaging story set within the gritty world of organized crime. While it may adhere to some genre conventions, its strong performances, atmospheric direction, and thought-provoking themes make it a worthy watch for fans of classic film-noir.

Technical Commentary

Video

There are some mild noise issues in certain landscape shots, but this image is generally attractive. Blacks are luscious, and background clarity enhances the film’s occasionally clever blocking. Textures, particularly of the sand that plays a pivotal role in the narrative, are well-detailed. There is a substantial amount of detail present throughout with subtle textures on the outfits and in the environments and production design. The contrast is steady with only a minor level of density fluctuation in the print. Black levels are pretty solid but could be given a bit more depth. There are no substantial occurrences of black crush or compression artefacts across the five films. The black-and-white photography holds up well across every film as they make the most of their high definition presentation with natural grain intact. 

Audio

The soundtrack is clean and packs a bit of nicely understated oomph. Franz Waxman’s score is irritating, but it sounds great. The Blu-Ray set comes with a pretty solid LPCM 2.0 track for each of these five films that presents them well even with some years under their belt. Dialogue comes through clearly without sounding gauzy or weak. It is balanced well with the environmental elements so important elements stay prominent in the mix.

Special Features

• 1080p High-definition presentation on Blu-ray from a 2021 4K scan
• Audio Commentary by noir expert / Film Noir Foundation board member Alan K. Rode
• Film Noir specialist Frank Krutnik on The Enforcer
• Original aspect ratio 1.37:1
• Audio English LPCM 2.0 Mono
• Optional English subtitles