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Boomerang! (1947)

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Average Rating: 6.9/10
Reviews Counted: 13
Fresh: 10 | Rotten: 3

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Average Rating: N/A
Critic Reviews: 3
Fresh: 2 | Rotten: 1

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Average Rating: 3.5/5
User Ratings: 451

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Movie Info

Boomerang, directed by Elia Kazan, is a chilling film noir, the true story about the murder of a priest, the subsequent arrest and trial of a jobless drifter, and the efforts of young state's attorney Henry Harvey (Dana Andrews) to uncover the truth. Closely based on the actual 1924 murder of Fr. Hubert Dahme in Bridgeport, Connecticut, the film was directed by the young Elia Kazan in a highly effective, semi-documentary style. Kazan shot most of the film on location, using high-contrast

Unrated, 1 hr. 28 min.

Drama, Mystery & Suspense, Classics

Directed By: Elia Kazan

In Theaters: Apr 28, 1947 Wide

On DVD: Jun 6, 2006

Cast

Dana Andrews
Henry L. Harvey
E.J. Ballantine
McDonald
Jane Wyatt
Mrs. Harvey
Lee J Cobb
Chief Robinson
Royal Beal
Johnson
Arthur Kennedy
John Waldron
Ed Begley Sr.
Paul Harris
Cara Williams
Irene Nelson
Wryley Birch
Fr. Lambert
Karl Malden
Lieutenant White
Sam Levene
Dave Woods
John Carmody
Callahan
William Challee
Stone
Philip Coolidge
Crossman
Bert Freed
Man
Richard Garrick
Mr. Rogers
Walter Greaza
Mayor Swayze
Helen Hatch
Miss Manion
Taylor Holmes
Wade
Robert Keith
Mac McCreery
Barry Kelley
Sgt. Dugan
Lester Lonergan Jr.
Cary
George Petrie
O'Shea
Anthony Ross
Warren
Guy Thomajan
Cartucci
Clay Clement
Judge Tate
James Dobson
Bill
Brian Keith
Extra
Anna Minot
Secretary
Mayor Charles E. Moore
Himself
Leona Roberts
Mrs. Crossman
Lucia Backus Seger
Mrs. Lukash

Critic Reviews for Boomerang!

All Critics (13) | Top Critics (3) | Fresh (10) | Rotten (3) | DVD (1)

Gripping, real-life melodrama, told in semi-documentary style.

November 1, 2007 Full Review Source: Variety

| Comment

Variety Staff

Variety

Top Critic

Movie-makers should positively remember that a public story is a public trust.

March 25, 2006 Full Review Source: New York Times

| Comment

Bosley Crowther

New York Times

Top Critic

This 1947 film is limited in scope and feeling, but the superficial dramatics work well enough.

January 1, 2000 Full Review Source: Chicago Reader

| Comment

Dave Kehr

Chicago Reader

Top Critic

Though not one of Kazan's best films, Boomerang is perfectly watchable.

April 26, 2011 Full Review Source: EmanuelLevy.Com

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com Source: EmanuelLevy.Com

The best work is done against the grain of Louis de Rochemont's newsreel tidiness

September 5, 2009 Full Review Source: CinePassion

| Comment

Fernando F. Croce

CinePassion

Kazan shot most of the film on location, using high-contrast cinematography and an extremely mobile camera to create a palpable sense of urgency.

November 1, 2007 Full Review Source: TV Guide's Movie Guide

| Comment

TV Guide's Movie Guide

The unemphatic presentation of details, the use of locations, and strong performances from a largely non-professional supporting cast, lend the film authenticity and power.

June 24, 2006 Full Review Source: Time Out

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Geoff Andrew

Time Out

The performances, especially by Andrews, are spot on.

May 24, 2003 Full Review Source: Film4

| Comment

Film4

Elia Kazan, as an afterthought, comments he wished he played up the corruption part of the story in more detail.

January 1, 2000 Full Review Source: Ozus' World Movie Reviews

| Comment

Dennis Schwartz

Ozus' World Movie Reviews

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Audience Reviews for Boomerang!

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Filmed on location in my current hometown - Stamford CT - yay! Good buildup about political shenanigans related to the prosecution of a mysterious murder in small town America is ultimately spoiled by a by third act courtroom scene where all is miraculously revealed. A compelling mix of documentary and noir styles in this early effort by Elia Kazan.

May 23, 2009