The Detective (1968)

Frank Sinatra is on fine form here as detective Joe Leland who is investigating the murder of a homosexual man, found dead in his home. Director Gordon Douglas manages to produce a convincing police procedural that at times feels like a Raymond Chandler adaptation; there’s very much a noir feel to the proceedings as Sinatra cynically wades his way through the action. The acting is generally pretty strong across the board but Sinatra is certainly the stand out; it seems as though he’s encompassed this character before, such is the relish with which he attacks the narrative. It’s certainly not perfect; it drags out for half an hour or so too long, not helped by some lengthy flashback sequences that could have been sufficiently chopped. But if you’re not familiar with Sinatra’s acting, this is a fine place to start. 6.2/10