Kansas City Confidential (1952)

Directed by Phil Karlson. Starring John Payne, Coleen Gray, Preston Foster, Lee Van Cleef, Neville Brand, Jack Elam, Dona Drake, Mario Siletti.

Clever crime plot compensates for coincidence-heavy narrative in this “upbeat” noir. A trio of nasty crooks are assembled for the “perfect” robbery; each wear masks and no one knows their identities except for the mastermind (Foster). Wrongfully-accused ex-con Payne takes matters into his own hands and pursues the thieves to Mexico where they’re waiting for their payments. An accidental romance between Payne and Foster’s daughter feels forced, but tough banter and hard-hitting action deliver the goods. Payne’s on the wooden side, but intimidating Van Cleef and anxious Elam make for good heavies. Also known as The Secret Four.

69/100