Boomerang! Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

In a twist no one saw coming, the prosecutor decides prosecuting is overrated and actively works to clear the guy everyone’s ready to string up.

🍿 Boomerang!: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Quiet Town’s Shocking Crime

The film opens in a seemingly peaceful Connecticut town, where tranquility is shattered by the brutal murder of Father George A. Lambert, a beloved local priest, shot on a street corner. The shocking crime ignites widespread public outrage, with citizens demanding swift action from law enforcement. The political landscape of the town quickly becomes entangled in the investigation, putting immense pressure on the police and city officials. Amidst intense public scrutiny and media sensationalism, lead investigators Chief Harold F. Robinson and Detective Lieutenant White scramble for leads. With an election looming, the city’s reform government faces criticism from a rival political party and the local press, escalating the urgency to apprehend a suspect and restore a sense of security.

The Accused and a Forced Confession

Weeks pass with no substantial progress, amplifying the pressure on the police department. Eventually, a suspect, John Waldron, a disheveled ex-GI and out-of-towner, is arrested in Ohio. He seemingly fits the vague description of the killer and is extradited back to Connecticut. Despite Waldron vehemently denying his involvement, witnesses are swayed to identify him in line-ups. After enduring relentless interrogation and sleep deprivation, Waldron, exhausted and broken, signs a confession, seemingly closing the case for the public and the politically strained police force.

District Attorney Henry Harvey’s Doubts

State’s Attorney Henry L. Harvey, initially eager to prosecute the case, begins to develop profound doubts about Waldron’s guilt as he reviews the evidence. Guided by his legal code of ethics, which states the prosecutor’s duty is “not to convict, but to see that justice is done,” Harvey finds inconsistencies in the witness testimonies and ballistic evidence. Harvey’s growing conviction of Waldron’s innocence puts him at odds with political figures, including Paul Harris, who have a vested interest in a quick conviction to secure their own financial and political futures. Harvey faces threats and immense pressure to pursue a conviction regardless of the truth, forcing him to choose between his career and his principles.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Henry L. Harvey (Dana Andrews): The principled District Attorney who defies political pressure to prove the innocence of a man accused of murder.
• John Waldron (Arthur Kennedy): A nervous out-of-town veteran falsely accused of murdering a priest, whose innocence the District Attorney fights to prove.
• Chief Harold F. Robinson (Lee J. Cobb): The Police Chief who, under public pressure, obtains a forced confession from Waldron but later accepts Harvey’s findings.
• Paul Harris (Ed Begley): A corrupt political official who attempts to blackmail District Attorney Harvey into securing a conviction for his own financial gain.
• Madge Harvey (Jane Wyatt): The supportive wife of District Attorney Henry Harvey, who inadvertently becomes entangled in the political corruption surrounding the case.
• Dave Woods (Sam Levene): A local newspaper reporter who intensifies public outrage and political pressure by criticizing the police’s handling of the murder investigation.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Narrator/Text: “The primary duty of a lawyer exercising the office of public prosecutor is not to convict, but to see that justice is done. -The Lawyers’ Code of Ethics.” – Displayed on an open book and narrated, this quote serves as the film’s moral compass and central theme for the prosecutor’s actions.
• Narrator: “This could happen anywhere.” – The opening line of the film’s narration, establishing its semi-documentary style and the universal relevance of its true story.
• John Waldron: “I left town when I wanted to and because I wanted to.” – Said defiantly by the accused, John Waldron, during his interrogation, highlighting his frustration and ambiguous nature.
• Henry L. Harvey: “Remember those sandwiches we bought in the deli downstairs while I was in law school? It would be almost fun to do it again, wouldn’t it?” – Henry says this to his wife, Madge, expressing a longing for simpler times as he grapples with the immense moral and political pressure of the case.
• Madge Harvey: “We were both a little younger then, Henry.” – Madge’s poignant reply to Henry’s wistful remark, acknowledging the irreversible changes and burdens they now face.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1,140,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Boomerang! Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, ‘Boomerang!’ really flipped my expectations! I went in thinking it would be a typical crime drama, but seeing Dana Andrews’ character, Henry Harvey, actively dismantle his *own* case to prove innocence was truly gripping. The tension in those courtroom scenes, especially when he’s questioning witnesses he brought in, was just incredible. It made me feel so invested in whether justice would actually prevail against all that political pressure. Definitely a must-watch for anyone who loves a good legal thriller with a powerful message.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic film noir and semi-documentary style movies.”
  • “Viewers interested in true crime stories and legal dramas.”
  • “Those who appreciate films exploring themes of justice, ethics, and political corruption.”
  • “Anyone looking for a taut, character-driven thriller from the Golden Age of Hollywood.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Murder (depicted but not overly graphic)”
  • “Intense police interrogation techniques (sleep deprivation, threats)”
  • “Themes of political corruption and social pressure on the justice system”

Professional Reviews

• FilmFanatic.com: “Elia Kazan’s ‘Boomerang!’ offers a tense, semi-documentary dive into a true crime. Its on-location filming lends a gritty realism, drawing you into a small town gripped by murder and political machinations. The film’s pacing builds a compelling atmosphere, making it a standout early work from Kazan.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “Anchored by a steadfast Dana Andrews, ‘Boomerang!’ shines as a powerful courtroom drama exploring integrity under duress. Lee J. Cobb and Arthur Kennedy deliver captivating performances, elevating the real-life tale of a prosecutor fighting the system. A timeless examination of justice and truth.
• The Daily Cinephile: “This gripping procedural transcends its era, offering startlingly relevant commentary on eyewitness reliability and political interference in justice. ‘Boomerang!’ is a masterclass in tension, keeping viewers on edge as a principled D.A. challenges public opinion and ingrained corruption.

Audience Reactions

Viewers consistently praised the film’s unique premise of a prosecutor fighting for the defendant’s innocence against overwhelming odds.: The authenticity of its ‘true story’ basis, coupled with compelling performances from Dana Andrews and Lee J. Cobb, and its insightful look at political corruption and the justice system, resonated deeply with audiences.

Overall Consensus: Boomerang! is a highly regarded, tense docu-drama praised for its unique legal premise, strong performances, and enduring relevance as a commentary on justice and integrity.

Awards

1. New York Film Critics Circle Award (Best Director)- 1947

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Playwright Arthur Miller makes an uncredited cameo as the tall suspect in the police line-up. Director Elia Kazan, a close friend, would later direct Miller’s ‘Death of a Salesman’ on Broadway, casting Lee J. Cobb and Arthur Kennedy from this film.”
• “The film was shot entirely on location in Stamford, Connecticut, rather than in a studio, which was a new experience for director Elia Kazan and contributed to its semi-documentary realism. Bridgeport, where the actual events took place, refused filming permission.”
• “Despite the film’s success, director Elia Kazan reportedly disliked his films for Twentieth Century Fox, including ‘Boomerang!’, feeling they weren’t truly ‘his’ and finding lead actor Dana Andrews difficult to direct.”
• “The character of State’s Attorney Henry L. Harvey is based on Homer Cummings, a real-life prosecutor from Connecticut who later served as U.S. Attorney General under Franklin D. Roosevelt.”

🖥️ How to Watch Boomerang!?

Boomerang! is a classic crime drama that can be difficult to find on streaming services as part of a subscription. Your best option for viewing is typically through digital rental or purchase. Search for ‘Boomerang! (1947)’ on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube, where it may be available for purchase or rent, allowing you to watch it on demand.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Boomerang!, you might like these similar films:

• Call Northside 777 (1948): Another classic semi-documentary true crime film where a journalist investigates to prove an innocent man’s conviction, sharing ‘Boomerang!’s commitment to procedural realism and justice.
• 12 Angry Men (1957): Explores the meticulous examination of reasonable doubt and the integrity required within the justice system, mirroring the prosecutor’s fight for truth in ‘Boomerang!’.
• Anatomy of a Murder (1959): An iconic courtroom drama praised for its detailed legal procedures and complex characters, appealing to fans of ‘Boomerang!’ for its in-depth portrayal of the justice system.
• The Wrong Man (1956): A docudrama that similarly depicts the nightmare of an innocent man wrongly accused and the procedural challenges he faces, resonating with ‘Boomerang!’s central theme of wrongful accusation.
• On the Waterfront (1954): Another acclaimed film by Elia Kazan featuring a compelling struggle for integrity against corruption, with a strong performance from Lee J. Cobb, who also appears in ‘Boomerang!’.

🛒 Boomerang! Related Products

• Boomerang! (Criterion Collection Blu-ray): Experience Elia Kazan’s masterful true-crime drama in stunning high definition, featuring exclusive bonus content like historical documentaries on the real case and interviews with film historians. This edition captures the noir aesthetic and moral complexities with unparalleled clarity.
• The Essential Guide to Film Noir: Classic Crime & Corruption Films: An illuminating e-book exploring the genre that defined ‘Boomerang!’, dissecting its stylistic conventions, recurring themes, and iconic films. Features analyses of directorial techniques, character archetypes, and societal reflections of the era.
• Classic 1940s Courtroom Drama Movie Poster – Boomerang! Replica: A high-quality, authentic replica poster from the film’s original release, capturing the stark black-and-white aesthetic and dramatic tension. A perfect piece for displaying your appreciation for classic cinema.
• Investigative Files: True Crime Board Game: A cooperative board game where players act as detectives, piecing together evidence, interviewing suspects, and building a case based on real unsolved mysteries. Requires critical thinking and teamwork to achieve justice.

🎧 Soundtrack

Boomerang! features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “America, the Beautiful” – performed by Samuel A. Ward

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

OMG! Bugs is SO Versatile! 👀🎨 | Looney Tunes | Boomerang UK #shorts

Ever wondered how the ‘Boomerang’ title resonates across different entertainment realms? This super popular short from ‘Boomerang UK’ might just give you a chuckle and a new perspective on the word!

😱 Mad Max 2’s Most BRUTAL (and Hilarious) Fail Ever! #WastelandChaos”

Curious about the literal ‘boomerang’ in action? Dive into this wild ‘Mad Max 2’ scene that shows just how brutally hilarious a boomerang can be when things go wrong – it’s definitely a stark contrast to our movie’s dramatic themes!

Amazing playing card boomerang , ♠️♥️♣️♦️ how to make boomerang , awesome paper toy

Thinking about the concept behind the movie’s title? This amazing video shows you how to make a playing card boomerang, giving you a fun, tangible look at the object that inspired the film’s powerful metaphor!

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