DVD Corner

Side Street Blu-ray Review

“Side Street” is a first rate film noir.

Penned by Sydney Boehm, 1949’s “Side Street” is a New York set film noir. The story arounds a broke dreamer named Joe who works as a part time mailman. He lives with his sweet pregnant wife Ellen and her parents but clearly wishes he could be making more money. One day while delivering mail, he sees $200 go into a file cabinet in a lawyer’s office. The presence of that money haunts him and he winds up breaking into the cabinet to steal it. To his surprise, he instead discovers he snagged 30 grand. Joe is initially unaware that the cash is tied to a blackmail ransom and murder plot overseen by lawyer Vic Backett and a brute criminal on parole (George). Right after the theft, Joe becomes a nervous wreck and is uncertain of what to do with the money. He winds up paying for that mistake as the situation begins to spiral out of control. Not only are the police (led by Captain Walter) looking into the entire matter, but Joe soon finds himself getting in hot water with the criminals he stole the money from even when he decides to give the money back.

Directed by Anthony Mann (who is best known for westerns like “Winchester ‘73” and “The Naked Spur”), “Side Street” is a compelling and sympathetic story about an ordinary man who makes one wrong decision that endangers his life. He’s not the usual criminal lead character as you so often see in film noir tales who gets his comeuppance. He’s just a husband who yearns for a better life for he and his wife. He was tempted by money but realizes he can’t go through with taking it. Yes, he goes through hell in the process, but he certainly learns his lesson. Basically, this is a moral tale complete with poignant narration. 

What really makes “Side Street” such an absorbing film noir is the incredible location shooting in New York. Joseph Ruttenberg’s cinematography really puts you into the city itself as the frames are filled with towering buildings, dark alleys, busy streets, and, of course, landmarks like Central Park. There’s even a thrilling ahead of its time car chase sequence filmed on location. To say the NYC shoot makes the film truly cinematic is an understatement.

Cast wise, the film is notable for featuring Farley Granger and Cathy O’Donnell who were also paired together in “They Live By Night.” Their characters here are much different and it’s fun to see the 2 explore a different dynamic together. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.37:1 1080p. How does it look? Film buffs can expect another beautiful classic film restoration courtesy of Warner Archive. 

Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? The sound is a little snowy but satisfactory overall.

Extras:
* Original theatrical trailer
* Commentary by film critic and film historian Richard Schickel.
* 2 MGM cartoons titled “Polka Dot Puss” and “Google-Fishing Bear.”
* “The Luckiest Guy In The World”- An MGM Crime Does Not Pay short film.
* “Where Temptation Lurks”- An archival “Side Street” featurette that explores the characters, themes, the film noir tropes and more. 

May 4, 2025 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Anthony Mann, Film Noir, New York, Side Street Blu-ray Review, Warner Archive