99 River Street

An underrated classic of the film noir genre, 99 River Street (1953) stars John Payne as Ernie Driscoll, a former boxer now working as a cab driver and saving up to buy a gas station. His wife Pauline (Peggie Castle) has turned her back on Ernie in favor of sleazy thief Victor Rawlins (Brad Dexter) and a chance at a fortune in stolen jewels—setting up her husband as the fall guy. Evelyn Keyes costars as a still-idealistic young actress who pulls Ernie into her world of make-believe and then redeems herself by using her talents (and putting herself on the line) to save him from the frame-up. Directed by Phil Karlson, this fine urban noir set in an anonymous city takes place entirely at night and is shot on studio sets that serve as city streets, waterfront docks, corner coffee shops, cheap bars, boxing gyms, and taxi garages. Karlson also makes brilliant use of the boxing ring play-by-play of the superb opening scene, which comes back as both a tormenting memory and triumphant commentary during the climax. Newly remastered for Blu-ray—a significant upgrade from the previous DVD release—with extras including audio commentary by film noir historian Eddie Muller, this is recommended. (S. Axmaker)