Similar to its Brother-Genre "Police Procedural", is the Sub-Genre that Emerged in the Low-Budget World of B-Movies in the 50's were "Exposes" with Sub-Titles like "Uncensored, Confidential, Exposed" Etc.
Usually Attached to a Big-City or Big-Corps (Garments, Docks) that Organized Crime Infiltrated after the Repeal of Prohibition.
Most were Unremarkable, although a Few like "Kansas City Confidential" (1955) and "The Phenix City Story" (1955) are Bona-Fide Classics of the Genre.
This One, takes an Obvious Cue from "On the Waterfront" (1952) the Marlon Brando Award Winner.
It Pales in Comparison but does have a Certain Gravitas Helped by B-Movie Stalwart Director William Castle.
Arthur Franz who Made quite an Impression in the Psychological, Pathological, Film-Noir "The Sniper" (1952),is Solid as the Protagonist.
Also some Good Character Actors like Mike Mazurki, Michael Ansara, and B-Movie Babe Beverly Garland Help this Rise Above Average.
The On-Location New Orleans Footage Helps Set the Stage and the Movie Contains some Genuine Intrigue of Mob Infiltration, On the Docks Violence, and Worker Intimidation.
Overall, Better than Most.
New Orleans Uncensored
1955
Action / Crime / Drama / Film-Noir / Thriller
Plot summary
Navy veteran Dan Corbett arrives at the New Orleans shipping docks where he's looking for a job. Unknown to him is the fact that shipping docks owner Zero Saxon is a crooked businessman and a racketeer. Using a complex scheme, Saxon is stealing legitimate cargo and switches this cargo for phony cargo. This scheme involves his network of trucks, rail cars and ships. Most longshoremen make extra money by turning a blind eye to the racket and they're also afraid of Saxon's hired killers. Dan Corbett meets nice gal Alma Mae who invites him at the longshoremen picnic where he's introduced to Jack Petty, business agent for the longshoremen's union, and Joe Reilly, Saxon's dock manager. Dan Corbett befriends Joe Reilly, his wife Marie and her brother Scrappy Durant. Joe Reilly is a nice guy and offers Dan Corbett a job on the docks. Unfortunately, Joe is on the take and implicated in Saxon's racket. When he tries to quit the racket and go into a legitimate business, Joe is killed by Saxon's henchmen Deuce and Big Mike. That's when Dan Corbett starts suspecting that Saxon is heading a criminal enterprise. He summons the president of the Longshoremen Association and the Chief of Police to a secret meeting. At the meeting, a plan to expose Saxon's racket and to trap him is agreed upon. However, this plan involves the planting of a radio transmitter into Saxon's cargo crates and Dan Corbett is the only man available for this job. Dan is aware of the danger he's exposing himself to.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
Director
Top cast
Tech specs
720p.BLU 1080p.BLUMovie Reviews
ABOVE AVERAGE "CITY EXPOSE"...POPULAR IN THE 50'S...SPIN-OFFS OF FILM-NOIR
Sort of like the New Orleans version of "On the Waterfront".
"New Orleans Uncensored" sounds like some sort of porno flick, but it isn't. It's a dandy crime film, much like the Louisiana version of "On the Waterfront". Like in this other film, it's about a thug and his goons who want to run the docks....and pilfer as much cargo as they can. Into this racket arrives a new guy, Dan (Arthur Franz) and he soon gets pulled into this mess. Can Dan possibly survive or will he end up pushing up daisies like two of his new and fated friends.
This is a very good story and although it doesn't star any big names, a lot of 1950s and 60s character actors are in it and they do a great job. I enjoyed not only the story and the acting...but also loved seeing 1950s New Orleans and its French Quarter. If you've been to this great city, you'll enjoy seeing the likes of Antoine's and Cafe du Monde...as well as many great institutions that have long since vanished. Well worth seeing.
By the way, one minor gripe I have about the movie are the characters Marie and Alma. The two actresses (Beverly Garland and Helene Stanton) look so similar that I was confused until I could figure out how to tell them apart!
Waterfront Drama
This waterfront drams is set in the French Quarter and on the docks of New Orleans.
The film has everything for a low budget film that is worth watching.
The viewer is in the action from the opening sequence. Freight is being stolen from the docks and there several suspects. We're not kept in the dark over who dunnit. Instead, we watch as a crime network is destroyed.
An especially bright spot is the beautiful Beverly Garland who performs very well Beside her, other stars and supporting actots tell an engrossing story with the help of tight writing, editing and direction.
A downside is the camerawork. Though sufficient, there are many ill advised angles as if the photographer were stretching for an arty, noir look but failed.
Otherwise this is a fine movie. Suspenseful though we know the guilty party ... that's hard to do but NEW ORLEANS CONFIDENTIAL does it and then some in captivating style.