NOIR OF THE WEEK - Thursday, May 29, 2008 - The Phenix City Story (1955) Posted by Steve-O Phil Karlson was never more than a B-movie director and he was proud of it. While working for Monogram Pictures the young director was paid $250 a week working on their film assembly line. In 1946, he churned out eight movies. (more)

IMDB - In this semidocumentary, an Alabama town is run by a crime syndicate that's grown fat on prostitution and crooked gambling, directed at soldiers from Fort Benning across the river. Lawyer John Patterson, back from the army, is triggered by what he sees to join the reformers with a plan: to run his father Albert for state attorney general. The syndicate responds with escalating violence: is no one safe? Credits preceded by a "newscast" containing spoilers. Written by Rod Crawford {puffinus@u.washington.edu}

Wikipedia - The drama depicts the real-life 1954 assassination of Alabama attorney general Albert Patterson in Phenix City, Alabama, a city controlled by organized crime, and the subsequent imposition of martial law. Some prints of the film include a 13-minute newsreel-style preface including interviews with the actual participants.

I feel that I must include C. J. Mangro's website PARATROOPERS OF THE FIFTIES in this examination of the state of affairs in Phenix City back then. He's collected some personal experiences from the men who were stationed at Fort Benning during that time. He's allowed for some embelishment (20%) and has made a note "(Editors note: Paratroopers for some reason have always had the God given ability to create notorious towns around their bases; some would say it caused by the personalities of people who would volunteer to jump out of planes into combat.)" explaining a part of the reason for the existance of that state of affairs.

SELL.COM - $29.99 per item (Fixed) US Dollars - It is VERY IMPORTANT that you please read the following if you are thinking of ordering. While every effort is made to have it on the way to you sooner, please allow up to 4 to 6 weeks from the time your order is PAID (not merely received) for processing (longer for very large and international orders) plus normal USPS shipping time, which appears to have gotten much worse the past year. Curious as to why 4 to 6 weeks instead of two days after you order? Here's why...99% of everything having to do with Hard to Find Films is handled solely by yours truly. (Into each life . . .)

BODAWG.COM - PHENIX CITY STORY, THE - VHS - Not $ 39.55 - Special Price: $35.95 - Very Good Viewing Condition - This copy is housed in black plastic clamshell case with illustrated, color insert.

I OFFER.COM - Quantity: 1 available Price: $13.99 Shipping: $4.00 (within United States) - An extremely rare and hard to find cult film "The Phenix City Story". This is the 50th Anniversary "Special Edition" version that includes motion menus, music, film facts, trailers, and a very interesting 13 minutes minutes of interview footage (of actual participants of the event). This fiftieth anniversary edition has a Scene Select menu as well and is one of only a thousand made!

THE LAST ONE IS THE ONE I ORDERED. GOT SENT BACK FOR A "SMUDGED" ZIP CODE. WE'RE TRYING AGAIN. THIS TIME WITH SOME TAPE ON THE MAILING LABEL.

I'LL ADD THAT THE DVD WAS DELIVERED IN A REASONABLE TIME AND DID WORK VERY WELL AND I HAVE NOW WATCHED IT.