A Gritty Film Noir Crime Thriller: Kansas City Confidential (1952)

"Kansas City Confidential" is a film noir crime thriller from 1952, directed by Phil Karlson and starring John Payne, Coleen Gray, and Lee Van Cleef. The movie follows an ex-con named Joe Rolfe, who is framed for a bank robbery that he did not commit. He decides to clear his name by tracking down the real culprits.

The story begins with a group of four masked men who rob a bank in Kansas City. They all wear masks and use fake names to hide their true identities. After the robbery, they split up and go their separate ways. However, the police eventually capture an ex-con named Joe Rolfe, who they believe was involved in the robbery.

Despite his claims of innocence, Rolfe is convicted and sentenced to jail. After his release, he sets out to find the real robbers and clear his name. He follows a trail of clues that leads him to a small Mexican fishing village, where he discovers the true identity of the mastermind behind the robbery.

The film is notable for its gritty realism and its strong performances by the lead actors. It also features some intense action sequences and a complex plot that keeps the audience guessing until the very end. Overall, "Kansas City Confidential" is a classic example of the film noir genre and is considered to be one of the best crime thrillers of the 1950s.

Cast:

John Payne as Joe Rolfe
Coleen Gray as Helen Foster
Preston Foster as Tim Foster
Neville Brand as Boyd Kane
Lee Van Cleef as Tony Romano
Jack Elam as Pete Harris
Dona Drake as Teresa
Mario Siletti as Tomaso