Forgotten Film (The movie you have to see)

I'm a mystery writer and photographer who reviews crime fiction. But I also enjoy classic crime movies, and one of my favorite movies combines photography and a crime story in a first rate film noir setting.

It's titled "The Public Eye" and stars Joe Pesci & Barbara Hershey. Based on the life of the famous NY tabloid photographer Arthur Fellig, the film is set in 1940's wartime New York City. Leo Bernstein, the photographer who makes a living taking photos of other people's misery, stumbles upon a consiracy involving the mob, black market gasoline and a gourgeous femme fatale night club owner. Throw in some romance, corrupt cops and couple of FBI agents who'll do anything to prevent the public from learning about a scandal that hurts the war effort, and you've got the makings of a great film.

Here's a scene from "The Public Eye" in which Pesci's character (The Great Bernzini) convinces a mob suspect to pose for a picture as he's being booked at the police station.



Unfortunately, the movie isn't well known. Made in 1992, it was available on VHS but never made it to DVD, which may explain it's descent into obscurity. And that's a shame, because it's a classic. Joe Pesci gives a great performance, as does Barbara Hershey as the love interest. Richard Riehle, Jerry Adler, and Tim Gamble contribute solid acting. The suspenseful music score was written by Mark Isham, and features several tunes with sizzling vocals by Kevin Dorsey. If you can't find this movie for rent on tape, check ebay or amazon for used copies. You may have to pull that old VHS machine out of the closet, but it'll be worth just to see this film.