By the mid-1960s, Frank Sinatra had frittered away his film career with a series of indifferent performances in forgettable and frequently indulgent movies, but his role as a New York cop in this 1968 thriller offered a late reminder that Sinatra was still more than capable of delivering a memorable performance in a good movie. The Detective stars Sinatra as Joe Leland, who is investigating a murder with homosexual undertones (the film's gay plot was daring for its day, but alas its portrait of gays feels both narrow-minded and stereotypical by today's standards). The police probe yields a fast arrest and a slam-dunk conviction, but was the wrong man sent to jail? And why is there downright hostility from the police powers-that-be not to dig deeper into the crime? Gordon Douglas' direction is crisp and no-nonsense, and a stellar supporting cast (including Ralph Meeker, Jack Klugman, Tony Musante, Al Freeman Jr., and a little-known character actor named Robert Duvall) bring a wonderfully gritty feel to the proceedings. But the film belongs to Sinatra, who gives a brilliant star turn that is simultaneously low-keyed and high-octane--he literally commands attention without having to say very much--exuding a wonderful mix of arrogance, tenacity, and street-smart wisdom, plus a strong dose of sexual kinetic energy when paired opposite Lee Remick. Presented with a handsome-looking widescreen transfer, but no extras, this is recommended. [Note: also available separately are the Sinatra vehicles Tony Rome and The Lady in Cement.] (P. Hall)
The Detective
Fox, 114 min., not rated, DVD: $14.99 Volume 20, Issue 4
The Detective
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