78
Metascore
13 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 88Chicago TribuneMichael WilmingtonChicago TribuneMichael WilmingtonThe first-rate cast, Lee Garmes' camerawork and the tense, excellent script (by Phil Yordan and, uncredited, Dashiell Hammett), all help build toward an unsurprising but memorable climax. [16 Oct 1996, p.2]
- 83Seattle Post-IntelligencerSeattle Post-IntelligencerSet in a precinct house, the film shows its theatrical origins. [25 Oct 2005]
- 80Los Angeles TimesLos Angeles TimesWilliam Wyler directed this hard-hitting, beautifully acted 1951 adaptation of Sidney Kingsley's Broadway hit. Kirk Douglas is remarkable as a tough-nosed, moralistic police detective who is accused of roughing up a shady doctor. [25 Oct 2005, p.E3]
- 80The New York TimesBosley CrowtherThe New York TimesBosley CrowtherDetective Story is a hard-grained entertainment, not revealing but bruisingly real.
- Detective Story is methodical in its depiction of the sometimes traumatic events of one day in a precinct but the marvelous quirks and shadings of these characters create highly exciting drama.
- 75Portland OregonianTed MaharPortland OregonianTed MaharSet entirely in a police station, the play shows both the drama and routine of police work. Kingsley made them all eloquent in a snappy-patter way. Kirk Douglas gives a powerhouse performance as the detective who is wound too tight for his own good. [26 Sep 1997, p.34]
- 70Orlando SentinelOrlando SentinelGrimly realistic. [25 Feb 2001, p.17]
- 60Time OutTime OutIt has a certain compulsiveness, but as with Dead End (also based on a play by Sidney Kingsley), the main interest lies in the admirable set.