The Case Against Brooklyn

IMDB calls "The Case Against Brooklyn" a 'fact-based film'. What does that mean? Does it mean that the story is a true story? I have no idea, as IMDB, Wikipedia and other sources don't say anything more about this aspect of the movie.

The story is, of course, set in Brooklyn. The city is very ill-served by its police force, as many cops seem to be on the take...accepting bribes to help a huge bookmaking outfit. But they are not just bookmakers, but send out rough goons to collect...and they don't seem to mind hurting or even killing people in the process.

Because so many cops could be involved, the Commissioner decides to recruit a rookie (Darren McGavin) from the police academy to go undercover along with a fellow rookie. But the road is tough for the rookies, as the crooks and crooked cops will stop at nothing to silence them. What's next? See the film.

In some ways this movie is a lot like film noir. On one hand, the story is very tough, violent and unflinching...just like good noir. But, on the other, the usual dark cinematography and camerawork isn't present in this one...which isn't a problem as the script is quite taut and exciting. Well worth seeing...and a really good, gritty cop picture.