Undercover Girl (1950)

Undercover Girl (1950) is a female undercover cop film noir in which all of femininity suffers the indignities of the history of the world up to 1950, and since 1950 too in some workplaces.

Definitely the target of workplace bullying as well as workplace sexual harassment from  smug mug himself Scott Brady, undercover girl Alexis Smith is also a good cop in an embarrassingly male world, only a few years out of wartime and no years into the 1950s, it is going to be a place where a woman is going to be muscled into the film noir environment of the home, this is going to happen.

She's on the range but they want her in apron, and it takes a touch cookie like Alexis Smith to break this patriarchy right open.

Gun grabbing bottom watching paternally patronising Scott Brady the colleague in the case, Alexis Smith does not seem to mourn her dead father so much as go on a noir adventure in avuncular mookish mug-land, among some drug runners of all things.

It's the movie debut of Royal Dano and there is a for-definite hophead vibration from his performance. And such immortal lines also, as the following:

"I'm not giving up my uniform for an apron."

Yes, there were female undercover police officers in the United States in 1950. While the exact numbers and specific roles of undercover female officers might not be extensively documented from that era, women had begun to make inroads into law enforcement roles, including undercover work.

The ensemble featured heavyweights like Royal Dano, Gladys George, Angela Clarke, and the ever-reliable Connie Gilchrist. Gilchrist, a perennial favorite, graced the screen with her presence, donning the role of a seasoned policewoman in the unforgiving streets of New York, commanding attention in just a couple of impactful scenes.

Noir street beating in Undercover Girl (1950)

Scott Brady's kin, the briefly glimpsed Edward Tierney, made a fleeting appearance as a cop, a nod to his blood ties with the formidable Lawrence Tierney—the patriarch of their cinematic lineage.

In the monochrome mastery of Carl E. Guthrie's lens, the celluloid tale unfolded. A standout moment, etched in the stark contrasts of black and white, commenced at the movie's inception. Brady's wheels slid to a halt at an L.A. crime scene, and there, against the nocturnal canvas, a Coca-Cola sign shimmered above the entrance to a Rexall corner drugstore. A snapshot of elegance, it encapsulated a bygone era, a world now swallowed by the relentless march of time.

Streets of film noir in Undercover Girl (1950)

She set up shop in a boarding house that eyed a low-rung link to the underworld, aiming to ascend the criminal hierarchy. The journey, however, was fraught with pitfalls. Her targets weren't fools; suspicion clung to her like a stubborn shadow, and her assumed identity walked a tightrope stretched to its limits. A precarious dance, especially when her beau inadvertently sabotaged her covert act, letting slip her real name within earshot of a lurking gang member.

The narrative, more attuned to crafting tension than unleashing a barrage of action, delves into the intricacies of Christine's delicate infiltration. Yet, this path, laden with suspense, encounters stumbling blocks. The core focus shifts to an extended and, some might argue, overly prolonged exploration of the Christine-Liz relationship. A choice that doesn't quite hit the mark, paving the way for a prolonged climax. It unfolds in a labyrinthine structure, a building seemingly constructed entirely of staircases, landings, and doorways, becoming a stage for a frenetic exchange of gunfire reminiscent of Imperial Stormtroopers. The passage of time has not been kind to this cinematic endeavor, leaving us with a stark reminder of how far our cinematic heroines have evolved in the six decades that have elapsed.

Scott Brady in Undercover Girl (1950)

During and after World War II, as men went off to fight, there was a notable increase in women joining the workforce in various capacities, including law enforcement. By the 1950s, some police departments had started to recognize the value of having female officers, including in undercover and investigative roles. However, the opportunities for women in law enforcement were still limited compared to today, and gender stereotypes persisted.

The extent of women's roles in law enforcement, including undercover work, varied across different regions and police departments in the United States during this period. While progress has been made since then, gender equality in law enforcement continued to evolve over the following decades.

Regis Toomey in Undercover Girl (1950)

Yes, actress Gladys George appeared in film noir. One notable example is the 1947 film "The Long Night," directed by Anatole Litvak. In this film noir, Gladys George played the role of Mrs. Faber, and the cast also included Henry Fonda and Barbara Bel Geddes. The movie is a remake of the French film "Le Jour Se Lève" and is known for its atmospheric and shadowy cinematography, characteristic of the film noir genre. While Gladys George had a diverse career with roles in various genres, her appearance in "The Long Night" is often cited in discussions of film noir.

Regis Toomey in Undercover Girl (1950)

This marked merely the sophomore endeavor under the directorial stewardship of Joseph Pevney, and notwithstanding its inception on the same antiquated budgetary constraints endemic to the realm of B-grade productions, it manifests itself as a resilient opus. Alexis Smith, the principal luminary, impeccably navigates the multifaceted contours of her role, deftly oscillating between fragility and tenacity, ambiguity and allure. Her performative prowess assumes a chameleon-like quality, seamlessly traversing the spectrum of emotional hues.

Scott Brady's younger brother, Edward Tierney, is seen briefly as a cop. Brady and Tierney's older brother was, of course, Lawrence Tierney.

The romantic foils, embodied by Scott Brady and Richard Egan, project a credible authenticity. A fleeting but substantively reassuring presence is proffered by Connie Gilchrist as Sadie, a role ostensibly minor in magnitude yet pivotal in endowing substance to the narrative. Gerald Mohr, ensconced in the character of a suave yet sinister criminal, epitomizes the archetype one fervently wishes to eschew. Noteworthy is the inaugural cinematic foray of the exceptional character actor Royal Dano, epitomizing the role of a hapless 'groupie' ensnared in the machinations of criminality, his plight elicits genuine concern as he traverses the labyrinth of crises, sporting a garish tie bedecked with a provocative silhouette, ostensibly a sartorial attempt at intimidation.

Alexis Smith is at home on the range in Undercover Girl (1950)

Edmon Ryan, in his portrayal of a morally compromised physician wrestling with the duality of his nature, imbues the narrative with an intriguing dynamic. Oscillating between the siren call of malevolence and an earnest yearning for paternal rectitude, he grapples with the moral fulcrum of his Hippocratic oath. 

Alexis Smith is suddenly suburban in Undercover Girl (1950)

The film, unexpectedly robust, sustains an engrossing allure. Will the clandestine operative avenge the demise of her progenitor, or shall the forces of malevolence preempt her intentions? This cinematic offering, a precociously prescient exploration of narcotics purveyors, imparts an eerie frisson to the viewer, particularly when the ominous utterance resonates: 'Nobody in Chicago knows you.' Beware! The integrity of your alibi teeters on the precipice of unraveling. Indeed, the nerve-wracking cadence of undercover pursuits is more palatable as a cinematic spectacle than an undertaking in the crucible of reality, do you not concur?

UNDERCOVER GIRL (1950) – The Inside Story of America’s Daring Police Women! NYPD cop Christine Miller (the wonderful Alexis Smith, Conflict, The Turning Point) goes undercover to investigate her father’s killing in this electrically charged thriller directed by noir master Joseph Pevney (Shakedown, Female on the Beach). Posing as a drug buyer named Sal Willis, Christine infiltrates a narcotics ring in order to take down the crooks responsible for her father’s death. But blackmail, gunplay, murder and other duplicities await her as she embarks on her most dangerous case. The sterling cast also features Scott Brady (Undertow), Richard Egan (Violent Saturday), Gladys George (The Maltese Falcon), Edmon Ryan (Topaz), Gerald Mohr (Gilda), Royal Dano (Man in the Shadow), Connie Gilchrist (Flesh and Fury) and Regis Toomey (The Big Sleep).

DVD Beaver

This riveting and spellbinding film noir, hailing from the annals of 1950, exudes an air of ground-breaking significance that regrettably eludes the acclaim it so justly deserves. As the reels unravel, one cannot escape the palpable sense that "Undercover Girl" is not merely a product of its time but a harbinger of cinematic evolution, an unsung pioneer that the echoes of recognition have unjustly passed by. The narrative threads a tale of gritty determination and revenge, with Christine Miller, a female police officer portrayed with captivating brilliance by Alexis Smith, delivering a career-defining performance.

Royal Dano in Undercover Girl (1950)

In an era where the cinematic landscape was yet to fully appreciate the prowess of female protagonists in crime dramas, "Undercover Girl" stands as a trailblazer, a prescient precursor to later icons like Police Woman, Cagney and Lacey, and the indomitable Law and Order: Special Victims Unit. The film's innovation extends beyond gender boundaries, transcending the conventional constraints of its time.

Alexis Smith, in her portrayal of Christine Miller, receives stellar on-screen support from Royal Dano, navigating a complex role that marks his cinematic debut. Dano's nuanced performance invites the audience into the depths of empathy for a character trapped in the squalor of desperation, a feat rarely achieved in the portrayal of downtrodden figures. Director Joseph Pevney, an auteur known for his subsequent ventures with formidable female leads, orchestrates the cinematic symphony with finesse.

 

Pevney's directorial prowess ensures the film's tautness, sustaining a permanent atmosphere of suspense that crescendos in the gripping final ten minutes. As the narrative unfurls, the audience is entwined in a web of tension, perched on the edge of their seats, fervently cheering on the tenacious and astute heroine.

Phallic pipe sexual tension scene with Edmon Ryan and Alexis Smith in Undercover Girl (1950)

Trent thinks a women, posing as a drugs buyer, might have better luck, and is convinced that with the right coaching, Christine is the right one for the job – over qualms that she might not be able to control her emotive impulses, because she’s a girl ‘n’ stuff. He sends her to bond with Liz Crow (George), a former Chicago criminal who became addicted to her own supply, and is now in rehab, seeking information which will establish a solid background for Christine’s undercover persona.

Girls With Guns January 2015

Yet this flick stands as a gritty precursor to the likes of Police Woman, Cagney and Lacey, and the dark tales spun by Law and Order: Special Victims Unit. But the gender card ain't the sole trump in this deck; this is a damn good reel, from the opening scene to the final fade-out. Alexis Smith, holding her ground, finds herself backed up by Royal Dano, stepping into the spotlight in a debut role that's as intricate as a maze in a crooked city. The man crafts sympathy for his desperate low-rent character, a feat not easily pulled off.

Gerald Mohr in Undercover Girl (1950)

For all its promise born of a solid concept, this tale falters, crippled by a lack of steadfast commitment to its own principles. The leading lady's presence, sandwiched between the bookends of a boyfriend named Egan, preaching the virtues of an apron over a police uniform, and a colleague named Mike Trent, who tosses her respect in meager portions, exposes the spinelessness gnawing at the core. The central idea stands strong, but the narrative stumbles in its wavering allegiance, leaving the heroine caught between a belittling lover and a barely respectful comrade.

It also features footage from this fascinating variation on Wallball or Butts Up that is played during the film, with the characters viewing on.

Joseph Pevney, the maestro behind the lens, ain't no stranger to steering ships with strong dames at the helm. His reel, a cinematic dance, kicks off with this gem and continues with the likes of Because of You starring Loretta Young and Female on the Beach featuring the one and only Joan Crawford. Pevney, the puppeteer of suspense, knows how to keep the audience dangling on the edge of their nerves. The tension boils to a fever pitch in the last ten minutes of this nail-biter, leaving you perched on the edge of your seat, rooting for our tenacious and cunning leading lady.

This flick ain't just another face in the crowd; it's a diamond buried in the rough. Breakin' norms like a dame wielding a dangerous job, this ain't your typical domestic diva relegated to homemaking and cocktail mixing for some overworked hubby. Undercover Girl, a hidden gem in the crime cinema vault, deserves a brighter spotlight, a standing ovation, and a hefty dose of respect. It's time this noir jewel gets its due glory.

Royal Dano in Undercover Girl (1950)

Stakeout cops in Undercover Girl (1950)

Undercover Girl is a cinematic gem, unjustly relegated to the shadows of obscurity. Its accolades extend beyond the mere subversion of gender norms, although that in itself is a commendable feat. It stands as one of the preeminent crime films of its era, a testament to the artistry of storytelling and the potency of a fearless female lead. This unsung masterpiece merits not just glory but a profound resurgence of respect in the pantheon of cinematic achievements.

There are it appears, fans of film noir should know, two films called Undercover Girl, our currant 1950 US feature and a 1958 British B-picture, called Undercover Girl (1958)

Finally there is a message for both women and public servants of the law: "Cops don't cry." It's laid on thick ladies, so if you're going to be a bobby you'd better get on the hard side of the law and suppress those tears. 

UNDERCOVER GIRL (1950) 

81 or 83 mins | Drama | 2 November 1950

Cast: Alexis Smith, Scott Brady, Richard Egan [ More ]Director:Joseph PevneyWriters:Harry Essex, Francis RosenwaldProducer:Aubrey SchenckCinematographer:Carl GuthrieEditor:Russell SchoengarthProduction Designers:Bernard Herzbrun, Emrich NicholsonProduction Company:Universal-International Pictures Co., Inc.