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Crime Cult Classic

A crooked cop faces the ultimate moral dilemma when his brother witnesses a mob killing.

ROGUE COP

The mob bought his badge. His brother drew the line.

1954 · 1h 32m · NR · Crime / Drama / Film-Noir / Thriller · IMDB TMDB

A corrupt police detective is forced to choose between the mob that owns him and the honest younger brother marked for death after witnessing a murder.

Quick Answer

What is Rogue Cop about?

Rogue Cop is a 1954 American crime drama directed by Roy Rowland about a corrupt detective torn between mob loyalty and protecting his honest brother who witnesses a murder.

Programmer's Pick

Corrupt cops, conflicted loyalties, and nightclub singers: Rogue Cop deals out its noir hand with a sharp moral edge. George Raft brings mob menace, while Robert Taylor’s internal struggle gives this 1950s thriller some real bite.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Detective Sergeant Christopher Kelvaney is a police officer on the take, comfortable with the bribes and underworld deals that come with his role. His younger brother Eddie, however, is an honest cop, and their conflicting values are brought to a head when Eddie witnesses a murder committed by a mob-connected killer. Pressured by ruthless mob boss Dan Beaumonte to ensure his brother's silence, Kelvaney finds himself caught between his criminal associates and his family loyalty. Attempts to coerce Eddie, including enlisting nightclub singer Karen Stephenson, prove futile. Meanwhile, the mob's violent tendencies spill over, ensnaring Beaumonte's own moll, Nancy Corlane, in the escalating conflict. Rogue Cop is a tense, character-driven noir about moral compromise and brotherly bonds.

Details & Specs

Director
Roy Rowland
Writers
William P. McGivern, Roy Rowland
Release
1954
Runtime
1h 32m
Country
United States of America
Language
English
Also Known As
Sur la trace du crime

Why This Matters

This film noir adapts William P. McGivern's novel and features a notable cast including Robert Taylor, Janet Leigh, and George Raft, under the direction of Roy Rowland.
— SassyFlix Curator

Cast & Crew

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Director: Roy Rowland Writers: William P. McGivern +1 more

Why Cult

Brotherly Conflict

The heart of the film is the tense relationship between a crooked cop and his straight-arrow younger brother, both on the force.

Classic Film-Noir Atmosphere

Expect moody lighting, moral ambiguity, and all the hard-boiled trappings of 1950s film noir.

Mob Pressure and Violence

Mob boss Dan Beaumonte’s ruthless tactics drive the plot, with witness elimination and brutal manipulation at every turn.

Nightclub Intrigue

Nightclub singer Karen Stephenson and the underworld nightlife add glamour and risk to this gritty crime saga.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

Eddie witnesses a mob murder

Threat

Mob boss orders witness elimination

Effect

Targeting of Eddie and pressure on Kelvaney

Setting

Urban underworld and police precinct

Questions from the Vault

Who directed Rogue Cop? +

Rogue Cop was directed by Roy Rowland.

How long is Rogue Cop? +

Rogue Cop has a runtime of 92 minutes.

What genre is Rogue Cop? +

Rogue Cop is a crime, drama, film-noir, and thriller.

Where can I watch Rogue Cop? +

You can watch Rogue Cop on SassyFlix.

How does Kelvaney try to protect his brother Eddie after he witnesses a murder? +

Kelvaney attempts to buy Eddie's silence under mob orders and even tries to persuade Eddie's sweetheart, nightclub singer Karen Stephenson, to change his mind.

Trailers & Clips

Rogue Cop trailer
Official Trailer
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