Search - Man Against the Mob: The Chinatown Murders on DVD

Very Good TV Movie - A Modern 1940's Film

Erik Rupp | Southern California | 01/21/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Man Against the Mob: The Chinatown Murders is a surprisingly good movie that anticipates the upcoming neo-noir/crime films like L.A. Confidential and Mulholland Falls (both of which came out 6 or 7 years after this one). While it may not be up to the level of those two films (it was a TV movie, after all), it isn't all that far off, either.

The script is actually fairly tight with some snappy dialogue, and the plot is also first rate for a TV movie. George Peppard is perfectly cast as the tough as nails cop heading the anti-organized crime squad in L.A. His performance is just right for the movie, and the supporting actors all do a fine job as well.

The sets, cars, and wardrobe all come across as authentic 1940's L.A. - except some high tension wire riggings across the docks in one shot. Other than that one flaw the movie really captures the atmosphere of the late 40's really well. The score is noteworthy as well - some really good Jazz written by Artie Kane.

Overall, Man Against the Mob: The Chinatown Murders is a great buy at under $5. If you like 40's film noir or crime movies, definitely check this one out. It may not be great, but it is good - and it is very entertaining."

WARNING: do not pay more than $1.00 for this film

Kendal B. Hunter | Provo, UT United States | 11/03/2006

(2 out of 5 stars)

"This is a fun, lame-brain, B-grade 1940's gumshoe thriller--perfect for vegging out, or for a lazy weekend afternoon. If you found it in the bargain barrel at the Dollar Store (as I did), then you have a pretty good idea of what you are getting.

Called "Man Against the Mob: The Chinatown Murders," it seem to have been a pilot either for a series or a serial Movie of the Week. I was impressed with the costuming, and the vintage autos. It would have been helpful to have period slang (you got to read the pulps to replicate this), and I could not help but laugh at the modern cranes in the background of the wharf scenes.

Although a European edit, you can see the AHEM scenes coming, and fast forward. By the way, why don't we have an equivalent of "mute" for the picture?

The strangest aspect of this is seeing George Peppard's hair and eyebrows dyed black. Being filmed in 1988, the year after the A-Team was cancelled, Peppard was looking for work. So I have these images of an almost "snow white" Hannibal Smith, then he changes to a dapper "tall, dark, and, handsome" cop, with an older face. It seems like he wanted to go back to the "Breakfast At Tiffany's."

So if you are a fan of Filme Noir Lite, Sam Spade, George Peppard, or Fu Manchu--and you find it in the Bargain Barrel, then go for it."