Call Northside 777

Released Feb 1, 1948

1h 51m

Crime

Drama

List

81%

Tomatometer

21 Reviews

73%

Audience Score

2,500+ Ratings

In 1932, Frank Wiecek (Richard Conte) is convicted of the murder of a Chicago policeman in a mob-connected speakeasy. Eleven years later, his mother, Tillie (Kasia Orzazewski), takes out a newspaper classified ad asking for information about the crime. Hard-bitten city editor Brian Kelly (Lee J. Cobb) assigns skeptical reporter P.J. McNeal (James Stewart) to investigate. The first studio feature ever shot on location in Chicago, the film is based on a true story.

Read More

Read Less

Watch on Fandango at Home

Premiered Oct 11

Buy Now

Fandango at Home

Prime Video

Rent Call Northside 777 on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, or buy it on Fandango at Home, Prime Video.

TIME Staff

TIME Magazine

Honestly and resourcefully filmed, the picture was shot, for the most part, against the Chicago backgrounds where the actual events took place.

Jul 21, 2021

Full Review

Bosley Crowther

New York Times

In short, there is nothing in this picture except a whopping shortcut towards the end -- and a few false parochialisms -- to keep it from banging the bell.

Rated: 2/5

Mar 25, 2006

Full Review

Noel Murray

Nashville Scene

The true measure of a star is his ability to transform ordinary material into movie magic. James Stewart's presence in this routine crime-drama gives a plain film a complex core.

Jan 1, 2000

Full Review

Yasser Medina

Cinefilia

It is a film noir that never loses its share of intrigue with the presence of James Stewart and, in addition, has a sharp plot that documents the effectiveness of investigative journalism in clarifying the truth. [Full review in Spanish]

Rated: 7/10

May 3, 2024

Full Review

Dennis Harvey

48 Hills

...a prime example of the quasi-documentary style that beginning to add a more realistic, procedural edge to some crime dramas...

Feb 1, 2023

Full Review

Howard Pearson

Deseret News (Salt Lake City)

One of the year's most arresting motion pictures.

Aug 16, 2021

Full Review

Read all reviews

SICKS6SIX S

about 80% in my rating book, good acting, a good script, and well filmed, as usual, James Stewart plays the slightly dumb, slow-at-learning stuff sort of guy Mcneal (a news reporter) who is surprised by everything, the story centres around Mcneal as he slowly (very slowly) realises what the truth is and who is innocent and then he sets out to prove it, the main support comes from a great performances from Richard Conte & Lee J Cobb who carry the film well,

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/27/24

Full Review

Don D

Perfect movie depicting the corruption happening during that time period. Great performance by actors and actresses. Hats off to Jimmy Stewart for his ability to carry out his role.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/02/24

Full Review

Leonard F

Interesting story that slowly builds to the climax. Jimmy Stewart goes from a skeptic to the strongest advocate for the prisoner as he hits more and more resistance.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

11/16/23

Full Review

ed m

Decent movie. Always good to see Jimmy Stewart.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/29/23

Full Review

harri k

Suffers from unnecessarily slow pace and somewhat wooden direction, but the character work is masterful. Dated in style yet still powerful.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This is a great film. Full of great dialogue. Jimmy Stewart plays a great part. A greatly underrated film. A great supporting cast

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/06/23

Full Review

Read all reviews

Post a rating

Henry Hathaway

Director

James Stewart

McNeal

Richard Conte

Frank Wiecek

Lee J. Cobb

Brian Kelly

Helen Walker

Laura McNeal

Betty Garde

Wanda Skutnik

Show Less Cast & Crew

Show More Cast & Crew

100%

87%

Where the Sidewalk Ends

89%

76%

Kiss of Death

100%

72%

The Dark Corner

100%

58%

The Street With No Name

88%

86%

Nightmare Alley

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

View more photos

Synopsis

In 1932, Frank Wiecek (Richard Conte) is convicted of the murder of a Chicago policeman in a mob-connected speakeasy. Eleven years later, his mother, Tillie (Kasia Orzazewski), takes out a newspaper classified ad asking for information about the crime. Hard-bitten city editor Brian Kelly (Lee J. Cobb) assigns skeptical reporter P.J. McNeal (James Stewart) to investigate. The first studio feature ever shot on location in Chicago, the film is based on a true story.

Director: Henry Hathaway
Screenwriter: Jerome Cady, Jay Dratler
Production Co: Twentieth Century Fox
Genre: Crime, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 1, 1948, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 20, 2015
Runtime: 1h 51m

Most Popular at Home Now