The Naked City Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Detectives wander New York looking for a killer, while a disembodied voice tells you exactly what’s happening, just in case you forgot how eyeballs work.

🍿 The Naked City: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Bathtub Murder: A City Awakens to Crime

Amidst the bustling backdrop of New York City, the film opens with the brutal murder of Jean Dexter, an attractive young model, found drowned in her bathtub. The discovery by her housekeeper quickly alerts the NYPD, launching a major homicide investigation. Veteran detective Lt. Dan Muldoon and his eager young partner, Det. Jimmy Halloran, take charge of the case. Their initial inquiries lead them to discover a complex web surrounding Jean’s life, including a bottle of sleeping pills and connections to various shifty characters. The detectives begin to piece together her secretive lifestyle, hinting at a link between her minimal income and the expensive jewelry found in her possession.

Unmasking the Network: Lies, Robberies, and a Hidden Accomplice

As the investigation progresses, suspicion falls heavily on Frank Niles, Jean’s former boyfriend, who proves to be a pathological liar. Muldoon and Halloran tirelessly follow leads, uncovering Niles’s involvement in a string of apartment burglaries, which Jean Dexter was also connected to as a recipient of stolen goods. The case takes a darker turn with the discovery of another body, that of a burglar named Pete Backalis, floating in the East River. His death is linked to the Dexter murder and introduces a new elusive suspect: Willie Garzah, Pete’s partner in crime. The police realize they are dealing with more than a simple murder; they are unearthing an organized criminal operation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Lt. Dan Muldoon (Barry Fitzgerald): The veteran and shrewd homicide detective leading the investigation into Jean Dexter’s murder.
• Det. Jimmy Halloran (Don Taylor): The enthusiastic young detective who serves as Muldoon’s partner, handling much of the legwork.
• Frank Niles (Howard Duff): A slippery and pathological liar who becomes a prime suspect due to his connections with the victim and stolen goods.
• Jean Dexter (Dorothy Hart): The attractive blonde model whose mysterious murder triggers the entire police investigation.
• Willy Garzah (Ted de Corsia): The elusive and ruthless criminal responsible for Jean Dexter’s murder and a subsequent killing, leading to a city-wide manhunt.
• Ruth Morrison (Dorothy Hart): Jean Dexter’s fellow model and Frank Niles’ unsuspecting fiancée, who gradually learns about his criminal involvement.
• Narrator (Mark Hellinger): The film’s producer who provides an omnipresent voice-over, giving the movie a semi-documentary style and guiding the audience through the investigation.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Narrator: “This is the naked city. There are eight million people in it. And these are some of their faces.” – Spoken at the very beginning of the film, setting the tone for its semi-documentary style and introducing the vast, anonymous backdrop of New York City.
• Narrator: “Yesterday she was just another pretty face. This morning she’s the marmalade on everybody’s toast.” – Said by the narrator to highlight how quickly Jean Dexter’s anonymity as a model transforms into sensational notoriety following her murder.
• Lt. Dan Muldoon: “Beautiful long legs she has, wouldn’t you say? Keep them in sight for the next 48 hours!” – Muldoon makes a seemingly casual observation about a female suspect’s appearance to his junior detective, immediately following it with a shrewd order to tail her, showcasing his sharp wit and detective instincts.
• Narrator: “There are eight million stories in the naked city. This has been one of them.” – The film’s iconic closing line, delivered as the camera pans over the city, emphasizing that the solved murder case is just one narrative amidst countless others in the bustling metropolis.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1.5 million
• Domestic Gross: $2,400,000
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 The Naked City Reviews

Personal Review

Watching ‘The Naked City’ felt like stepping into a time machine. I was completely mesmerized by the candid shots of 1940s New York—the bustling streets, the old cars, the everyday people just living their lives, totally unaware they were being filmed. It really makes the city feel like a character itself, breathing and alive. The detective work, while sometimes slow and methodical, pulled me in. Barry Fitzgerald as Lt. Muldoon was just fantastic; his Irish charm and shrewdness really made the character pop. And that final chase sequence across the Williamsburg Bridge? Absolutely pulse-pounding! It was such an innovative and raw piece of cinema for its time, and honestly, it still holds up as a thrilling ride.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic crime dramas and film noir”
  • “Viewers interested in the history of New York City”
  • “Enthusiasts of realistic police procedural films”
  • “Anyone who appreciates groundbreaking cinematography and filmmaking techniques”
  • “Audiences looking for character-driven urban narratives”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence (murder, shooting)”
  • “Thematic elements of crime and deceit”
  • “Tense chase sequences”

Professional Reviews

• Film Monthly: “‘The Naked City’ redefined crime dramas with its groundbreaking on-location shooting in New York, transforming the city itself into a vivid, breathing character. Director Jules Dassin masterfully captures the gritty authenticity of post-war urban life, making the procedural investigation feel remarkably real. While the plot is straightforward, the film’s immersive atmosphere and William H. Daniels’ Oscar-winning cinematography are truly captivating, cementing its status as a foundational influence on countless police procedurals that followed.
• Classic Cinema Journal: “Despite an occasionally intrusive narration and some subdued performances, ‘The Naked City’ remains a pivotal film for its bold semi-documentary style. Its commitment to filming entirely on New York’s bustling streets brought an unprecedented level of realism to the screen, a daring move for its era. The film’s suspense builds effectively towards a thrilling climax, showcasing how everyday police work can be compelling drama. It’s a must-see for understanding the evolution of the crime genre.

Audience Reactions

Viewers consistently praise the film’s revolutionary on-location shooting, making 1940s New York City come alive.: The semi-documentary style and realistic portrayal of police work were widely appreciated for their authenticity and impact on the genre.

Many were captivated by the film’s suspenseful final chase sequence and its memorable concluding narration.: The effective blend of a straightforward crime story with a vivid, living portrait of the city created a unique and engaging experience for audiences.

Overall Consensus: A pioneering and highly influential crime drama, celebrated for its authentic on-location filming and realistic police procedural style, though some find the narration dated.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Cinematography, Black-and-White)- 1949
2. Academy Award (Best Film Editing)- 1949

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Most of the street scenes were shot on location in New York without the public’s knowledge, with cameramen using hidden cameras from moving vans or fake newsstands to capture candid shots of the city.”
• “Director Jules Dassin employed unusual tactics to distract crowds, including hiring a juggler and a man to give patriotic speeches while waving an American flag.”
• “The film is unique for its time in having its opening credits entirely spoken by producer/narrator Mark Hellinger, with no text appearing on screen.”
• “Both producer Mark Hellinger and co-screenwriter Albert Maltz, as well as director Jules Dassin, faced significant hardships after the film’s release; Hellinger died shortly after at 44, while Maltz and Dassin were blacklisted during the McCarthy era, forcing Dassin to continue his career in Europe.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Naked City?

You can watch ‘The Naked City’ by searching on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, or Google Play, where it’s typically available for rent or purchase. As a classic film, it may also be available on streaming services specializing in classic cinema, or through DVD/Blu-ray purchase for collectors and enthusiasts.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Naked City, you might like these similar films:

• He Walked by Night (1948): A pioneering semi-documentary crime film, released the same year, that also focuses on police procedural and meticulous investigation in an urban setting, greatly influencing future ‘docu-noir’ pictures.
• Rome, Open City (1945): A foundational Italian Neorealist film that shares ‘The Naked City’s’ groundbreaking commitment to on-location shooting, portrayal of gritty urban realism, and focus on human struggle amidst the backdrop of a city.
• Night and the City (1950): Also directed by Jules Dassin, this film features a similarly grim and atmospheric portrayal of a city’s criminal underworld, showcasing Dassin’s distinctive noir vision just a few years later.
• The French Connection (1971): A seminal modern police procedural known for its gritty realism, extensive on-location shooting in New York City, and an iconic chase sequence, directly echoing ‘The Naked City’s’ groundbreaking style and tension.
• Pickup on South Street (1953): A classic film noir that captures the cynical and often seedy underbelly of urban life with memorable, flawed characters and a tense, pulpy plot, appealing to fans of gritty crime dramas and the noir aesthetic.

🛒 The Naked City Related Products

• The Naked City (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: Experience the landmark film in a stunning high-definition transfer, packed with bonus features including a documentary on the film’s production and insightful interviews with film historians.
• Vintage 1940s New York City Street Photography Print: A high-quality print reproducing iconic street photography from mid-century New York, evoking the same authentic atmosphere as seen in ‘The Naked City’.
• Film Noir: The Dark Side of Cinema (Book): An in-depth exploration of the film noir genre, featuring analysis of its classic films, themes, and impact, with a dedicated section on ‘The Naked City’s’ unique contributions.
• Classic Radio Crime Dramas: The Golden Age of Detectives (Audiobook/CD): A collection of vintage radio detective shows from the 1940s and 50s, featuring compelling cases and hard-boiled narratives that share the spirit of early police procedurals.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Sobre las Olas (Over the Waves)” – performed by Juventino Rosas

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

My Classic Film Noir Favorites

Ever wonder what makes ‘The Naked City’ such a timeless classic? This video dives deep into its film noir roots, showing you why it’s a genre essential and probably one of the most influential films of its time. It’s truly fascinating to see how it shaped film history!

Seen At 11: The Naked City

Curious how ‘The Naked City’ was perceived when it came out, or perhaps its lasting impact on NYC? This short news segment from CBS New York offers a really interesting local take, giving you a fresh perspective on a classic film’s real-world connection. It’s a quick watch that adds a lot!

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