What makes it different from others?

Admirable film.

if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

When it comes to dead-seriousness, I thought this 1951 Crime/Thriller's take on that was absolutely priceless. In fact, I got such an enjoyable kick out of The Racket's poker-faced story-line that I sat through it twice.Containing a nice mix of snappy, mean-mouthed dialogue, aggressive shoving around, and unexpected day-time shootings, The Racket certainly seemed to have all the right elements required to carry it through (without much disappointment) to its inevitable "crime-doesn't-pay" ending.When it came to the likes of the 2 Roberts (that's Mitchum as the no-nonsense cop, Capt. Tom McQuigg, and Ryan as the nasty villain, Nick Scanlon), I thought that these 2 bad-boys of crime-cinema filled their respective roles as comfortably as a pair of well-fitting gloves.My one beef about this picture comes down to The Racket's token femme fatale and lounge singer, Irene Hayes. Played by the tone-deaf Lizabeth Scott, man, when this cheap canary performed her big number at the Paradise Club, I absolutely cringed at her utter lack of talent.Even though Irene did, indeed, get slapped around and royally insulted, once or twice, it didn't come anywhere near close enough to what I thought she actually deserved.

Yes, you can predict this plot pretty much. What is amazing is the cast - besides Robert Mitchum, you have William Conrad (Cannon and radios Matt Dillion), William Talman (DA Burger on TV's Perry Mason, and Lt Tragg on Perry Mason- Ray Collins as one of the main characters. It is not often to see all of these cast in the same picture. Took me quite a while to realize Conrad was there until he finally spoke. This is a film noir film about the mob and how they control people. Mitchum is young and active in this one. Yes, I watched it for the cast more than the plot but I have seen a lot worse pictures.Just enjoy it for what it is, a grade B under feature made for twin bills in 1951. They were not trying for a blockbuster here. Just a good film and they certainly achieved it.

Robert Mitchum stars in this crime story that has him star as Police Captain Thomas McQuigg, the only honest captain left in a corrupt police force paid off by local crime boss Nick Scanlon(played by Robert Ryan) who has to deal with the national crime syndicate moving in, and being pressured to conform to their methods, which isn't in Nick's nature. William Talman plays honest patrolman Bob Johnson, who helps McQuigg battle the gangsters and a corrupt D.A. turned politician(played by Ray Collins) even as his life is put in grave danger. Good cast cannot save routine and predictable story that also defies credibility one time too many.

During the 1940's and 50's it was easy to watch a crime/drama and with little effort, would be able to identify the good guys from the bad guys. This particular story called " The Racket " is based on the play written by Bartlett Cormack and was directed by John Cromwell. In it we have Robert Mitchum starring as Captain Thomas McQuigg, a no-nonsense, hard-bitten cop of the Old School who has decided to run a clean precinct. He does this by going after Nick Scanlon (Robert Ryan, who is at his best) as the most notorious mobster around. Scandlon believes his methods are fool proof and so effective he does not need to adapt. After all, he is backed up by 'The Big Boss', a corrupt District Atty. Mort X Welsh and an equally corrupt Det. Sgt. Turk (William Conrad.) The movie is standard Black and White 1950's drama with sufficient excitement to keep the characters alive and interesting. The audience is entertained and throughout the length of the story kept alert enough to learn the outcome. Excellent film fare. ****