Street of Violence

Street of Violence, also titled City of Violence and Street of Violence , is a 1950 Japanese crime and drama film directed by Satsuo Yamamoto. Its story is based on a reportage published in the newspaper The Asahi Shimbun.

Plot

In the city of Tōjō, news reporter Kita is first insulted by local boss Onishi and later threatened by gangsters after an article on corrupt businessmen, officials and authorities. Bureau chief Sagawa withdraws Kita for his and his family's protection and instead sends a group of colleagues to Tōjō to investigate. Aided by a group of organised young people and formerly intimidated citizens, who are weary of the ongoing corruption and violence, the reporters can finally expose the schemings. In the closing voice-over, the narrator cautions the audience to stay attentive to prevent a return of the depicted violence.

Cast

Ryō Ikebe as Kawasaki
Akitake Kōno as Enomoto
Masao Mishima as Onishi
Hajime Izu
Miki Sanjō as Tazuko, Kita's sister
Yasumi Hara as Kita
Hatae Kishi as Harue
Masao Shimizu as Okano
Eitarō Ozawa
Takashi Shimura as Sagawa
Jūkichi Uno as Natsume
Taiji Tonoyama
Osamu Takizawa as Prosecutor Togami

Background

Street of Violence was produced by a production committee established especially for this film, which included the Japan Film Workers Union. Among the cast were actors under contract with the studios Toho, Shōchiku and Daiei, and independent film and theatre actors. It was shot on location where the actual events, which became known as the "Tōjō incident", had taken place.