A masterpiece of law and disorder, Robert Siodmak’s film noir classic Cry of the City depicts a timeless struggle between good and evil on the streets of New York. Charismatic criminal, Martin Rome (Richard Conte) is on the run from Lieutenant Candella (Victor Mature), a dogged cop and onetime friend. The two nemeses go head-to-head in a tense game of cat and mouse, leading to a dramatic showdown.

Insolent, menacing yet darkly charming, Conte is magnificent, whilst Mature gives a career best performance as the unsettlingly obsessed detective. Cry of the City boasts a glorious gallery of shady figures, from a lawyer oozing corruption to a memorably sadistic masseuse, whilst the film’s steely realism is enhanced by flourishes of noir stylisation, anticipating the films of Martin Scorsese.

After its welcome theatrical release last year, the BFI brings Cry of the City to both Blu-ray (in High Definition) and DVD formats on 22nd August 2016 at the RRP of £19.99 for either the Blu-ray or the DVD.

Special features:

• Original theatrical trailer

• Audio commentary by Adrian Martin

• Adrian Wootton on Cry of the City (2016, 26 mins): a newly filmed appreciation by the critic and chief executive of Film London

• Illustrated booklet with full film credits and new writing by Frank Krutnik