The Miami Story (1954)

A really strong cast, 11 December 2020

A group of Miami’s civic leaders and police bring a gangster out of “retirement” to help take down the city’s crime syndicate. 

Overall, I found The Miami Story very enjoyable.  Sure, there are issues with the plot that require a gigantic leap in logic, but if you’re willing to look past these issues (and I looked past most – not all, but most), it’s a fairly rewarding and entertaining experience.  The film is more graphic than most I’ve seen from the era, with a woman being badly beaten-up, more blood than I expected, and a more explicit inference of prostitution.  For 1954, this is about as far as you could go in the depiction of the sleaze and nastiness resulting from crime.  The acting is  particularly noteworthy.  Barry Sullivan (rock solid and believable in the lead), Luther Adler (the perfect baddie), and Adele Jergens (as the tough-as-nails “dame”) are all outstanding.  But I was happiest to see Beverly Garland’s fantastic performance.  I’ve always been a fan regardless of the dreck she sometimes appeared in.  The Miami Story also benefits from solid direction.  Fred Sears’ pacing is perfect.  From the opening shootout to the final chase, The Miami Story rarely lets up.  And, the film looks fantastic.  I especially enjoyed the shots of Miami from the 50s – how things have changed!  It’s all nicely done.

Finally, I’ve often seen The Miami Story listed as a film noir.  I’d argue that’s not exactly accurate.  I could cite a number of reasons, but the main one is the film’s ending.  You don’t get that in a typical noir.

6/10