"Walk East on Beacon" is a 1952 film starring George Murphy, about a G-man after a Communist sleeper cell. Set in Boston, it's a dry, unexciting look at police procedure, which we all know is plodding to begin with.

Narrated by Westbrook Van Vorhees, the film uses a documentary style often used for this type of film in the '50s. It usually signals an unexciting film, which this is.

George Murphy wasn't a great actor, but he was certainly charming. He isn't able to use much of his charm in this. The theme of the film isn't uncommon and has been better done.

The Boston locations were fun, but that's about it. If you're looking for thrills, go elsewhere.

Or the Red Sox....

This is a spy drama which takes the viewer inside the intrigue as seen through the Communist eye, at least through the writings of anti-communists. It's a film noir cold war thriller well acted by a mostly unknown cast, although future politician George Murphy is recognizable as the head FBI agent. The Scottish Finlay Currie is excellent as the scientist the commies (a combination of mostly both American born and Russian, as well as some from a few other countries) want to get their hands on for his complicated formula, and they have held his son as prisoner as leverage for getting him to do what they need him to do. It's not strictly just the desire for the secret formula and everything it can do which makes this tense, but each step they take and every action which occurs, making them sly and calculating as agents who don't even know each other must prove their identities when they first encounter each other (usually through a torn dollar or photo).

Don't cast judgment on all of the communist characters involved in the quest for the formula because as this film will reveal, some are communists through youthful error, some blackmailed into participating and some actually double agents. This is a brilliantly written and well made film noir which turns the naked city into the cradle of liberty where that liberty is definitely being threatened. Such innocuous shops such as flower stores, photography labs and even a mortuary are the fronts for commie activity. This isn't one of those cold war era anti-communist propaganda films that is simply out to discredit communism, just the actions of those involved in stealing vital secrets and the danger in the world of espionage where nobody is safe.

"Walk East on Beacon!" is a product of the times. Following WWII, the good will between the US and USSR bottomed out quickly and instead of being friends, the Soviets took over Eastern Europe and parts of East Asia. In response, the US became very paranoid about communism and the notion of communists infiltrating the county....so a movie like this isn't the least bit surprising. Some of the movies are fun to watch...some, like this one, are surprisingly ordinary.

The film is about an attempt by communist moles to capture a top scientist and force him to work for the USSR. Professor Kafer (Finlay Currie) is worried because his son disappeared. Apparently, the communists have kidnapped him and say they'll return him IF the Professor cooperates. Fortunately, American FBI agents are on the case and hope to not only rescue the son but break up this network of spies.

The story was interesting. But it also was surprisingly low energy considering the subject matter. Also, having George Murphy anchor the film didn't help, as he always seemed more passive than most actors....and here he gives a typically bland performance. Overall, not a bad film....but I would have expected more fireworks considering the topic.