Port of New York *** (1949, Scott Brady, Richard Rober, K T Stevens, Yul Brynner) – Classic Movie Review 5266

Director Laslo Benedek’s 1949 film noir thriller stars a pre-bald Yul Brynner, who makes an auspicious first appearance as the big bad guy Paul Vicola in this story of dope dealing, deceit and death.

Scott Brady and Richard Rober also star as narcotics agents Mickey Waters and Jim Flannery, who try to smash a drug smuggling ring after medicinal narcotics are stolen from the SS Florentine. One of them is killed, but the other battles on to end Vicola’s reign. This well-done, neatly plotted crime thriller features an exciting tour of atmospheric New York locations and lots of tension from Benedek, director of The Wild One (1953).

Auspicious debut or not, Brynner didn’t film again till The King and I in 1956.

Also in the cast are K T Stevens, Arthur Blake, Lynn Carter, John Kellogg, William Challee, Raymond Greenleaf, Henry Rowland, Tudor Owen, Neville Brand and Stephan Chase.

© Derek Winnert 2017 Classic Movie Review 5266

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