Based on a true story, "Boomerang", a taut courtroom drama, directed by Elia Kazan, will not disappoint. The original crime happened in Connecticut and this film was shot in the area as well and adds veracity to it. In a way, "Boomerang" kept reminding us of "12 Angry Men", which came out much later, in that both deal with innocent men that will be punished for crimes they did not commit. It also tells volumes of men like this D.A. who went over to the other side because he strongly believed the man on trial was not guilty and does everything possible to save him from punishment.
The film surprises for the way Mr. Kazan got amazing acting from his cast. Dana Andrews is seen as the District Attorney who sees through the whole thing and realizes the man that is being accused could not have committed the crime he is accused of doing. Mr. Andrews gave one of the best performances of his career. The same could be said of Arthur Kennedy, who was one of the best actors of that era. Mr. Kennedy was at home, both in the theater and on the screen. His take on John Waldron, the man being judged, is one of his best on film.
The supporting cast is excellent. Lee J. Cobb, a prominent figure of his times, is effective as the chief of police totally convinced he's got the man who committed the murder and thinks Waldron must pay for it. Jane Wyatt plays Madge Harvey with conviction. Sam Levene and Ed Begley also do fine work in the film. Cara Williams has a pivotal role in the movie.
Highly recommended for fans of Mr. Kazan.
The film surprises for the way Mr. Kazan got amazing acting from his cast. Dana Andrews is seen as the District Attorney who sees through the whole thing and realizes the man that is being accused could not have committed the crime he is accused of doing. Mr. Andrews gave one of the best performances of his career. The same could be said of Arthur Kennedy, who was one of the best actors of that era. Mr. Kennedy was at home, both in the theater and on the screen. His take on John Waldron, the man being judged, is one of his best on film.
The supporting cast is excellent. Lee J. Cobb, a prominent figure of his times, is effective as the chief of police totally convinced he's got the man who committed the murder and thinks Waldron must pay for it. Jane Wyatt plays Madge Harvey with conviction. Sam Levene and Ed Begley also do fine work in the film. Cara Williams has a pivotal role in the movie.
Highly recommended for fans of Mr. Kazan.