Call Northside 777

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Call Northside 777

Released Feb 1, 1948

1h 51m

Crime

Drama

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Popcornmeter

81%

Tomatometer

21 Reviews

73%

Popcornmeter

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.

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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

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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

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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

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Howard Pearson

Deseret News (Salt Lake City)

One of the year's most arresting motion pictures.

Aug 16, 2021

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Melissa L

This movie is a great classic film noir shot entirely on location in Chicago...where the true-life story took place in 1932 in which a man was wrongfully convicted for killing a police officer. Jimmy Stewart plays the newspaper journalist who played a large part in having the conviction overturned. I loved it and think everyone should see it since it is history, and prospective journalists should check it out, particularly.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/16/24

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j f

Jimmy Stewart’s character makes those hacks Woodward and Bernstein look like dumb stooges and liars. Real news. Heck of a picture.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/19/24

Full Review

Bill B

Interesting mostly because it is faithfully based on a true story, and Stewart does a good job with his role. Some scenes are more effective than others. The lesson by Leonard Keeler in use of the polygraph machine will drive anyone to the intermission lounge.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

05/29/24

Full Review

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

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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

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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

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Henry Hathaway

Director

James Stewart

McNeal

Richard Conte

Frank Wiecek

Lee J. Cobb

Brian Kelly

Helen Walker

Laura McNeal

Betty Garde

Wanda Skutnik

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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
Producer: Otto Lang
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

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