The life of a police captain of detectives (Edward G. Robinson) during a single day can be an interesting one, particularly when he is investigating the murder of a patrolman and trying to prevent a bank robbery.

CRITIQUE

Edward G. Robinson was one of those actors who could make even a bad movie worth watching.

Vice Squad (1953), though perhaps misnamed, is not a “bad” movie.  Considering its relatively modest budget and the era in which it was made, it’s actually pretty good, though it is certainly not one of the actor’s more notable films.

Acceptable police methods have definitely changed since 1953.  Today, most of the cops in this movie would wind up behind bars for their “shoot the bad guys first, then ask questions later” and other means of resolving their cases.

But, if Robinson and his fellow cops in Vice Squad followed today’s rules, the bank robbery sequence would not be half exciting as it now is, nor would the movie itself be as much fun.

Aside from Robinson’s strong contribution, much of the enjoyment in the Arnold Laven-directed film comes from the colorful characters that populate Lawrence Roman’s screenplay.  Her role is quite limited, but Paulette Goddard is charming as the Madame of an “escort service” who also supplies Robinson with scuttlebutt that her girls get from their “johns”.  Jay Adler is also a delight as a small-time thief who tips Robinson off to the imminent bank robbery, and Edward Binns, Adam Williams and Lee Van Cleef are effective as the crooks.

However, veteran character actor Porter Hall plays the most memorable role in Vice Squad.  He’s cast an undertaker, involved in an extramarital affair, who, as a reluctant witness to the shooting of the patrol officer, becomes a “pet project” for Robinson in an effort to get him to testify.

Well-paced and shot on some prime 1950s Los Angeles locales, Vice Squad is an enjoyable way to spend 90 minutes.

THE VIDEO

As part of MGM’s “Limited Edition Collection,” this is a “burned,” as opposed to a “pressed” DVD, and is manufactured from the best elements available.

The Full Frame picture has some minor signs of age, but no significant issues.

THE AUDIO

The Dolby Mono Sound is crisp and clear.

THE EXTRAS

None have been included.

FINAL THOUGHT

Vice Squad may be a bit dated, but it is still an entertaining cop movie from the 1950s.