I am a big Alan Ladd fan, so I have seen a lot of Ladd films ( 28 where he played a major role ( not including stuff like Citizen Kane where it was basically a cameo)). 13 West St was not one of his best. In fact, Rod Steiger as Detective Sergeant Koleski and Michael Callan as Chuck. Landry out do Ladd's Walt Sherill. Landry is shown to be really evil especially after the crash scene where a private detective hired by Walt is killed and says he is "fat and has no right to live." Also watch the scene where he breaks into the home of Walt and his wife Tracey.( the beautiful but unknown. Delores Dorn) and see his reaction after she calls him a "Stupid child." This is a character who believes he is above anyone. That includes his gang, Walt who he and his gang beat up n the beginning, and everyone else. He even felt Walt had no right to bother him after he put Walt in the hospital. Spoilers ahead: Does it come down to Walt versus Chuck? Of course? Does Walt win? Of course. But the problem with the movies is only in the final scene do we see the old Alan Ladd, giving it to Chuck with his cane and almost drowning him in his parent's pool. One more point: Ladd is nothing compared to Charles Bronson in Death Wish ( I have read numerous posters making the comparison). Paul Kersey ( Bronson) is far more ruthless then Walt ( probably because unlike Kersey, Walt has Tracey (which is the reason he does not kill Chuck)). I give the movie 6/10 stars. Mostly for Steiger and Callan.
Review of 13 West Street
