This is a Mike Hammer film written by Mickey Spillane—so you know you're in for a very gritty crime film. However, of all the incarnations of Hammer I have seen, this one has the most unknown cast I can recall—no one is an easily recognizable Hollywood actor in this film—though Alan Reed (Fred Flintstone's voice), John Qualen, Elisha Cooke and Joe Besser (the absolute worst of the Three Stooges—and so annoying that he only made a few shorts with them) appear in the movie. Whoever Biff Elliott is, he was cast in the feature role. The film does have some good things going for it—classic film noir lighting, fighting and dialog. Spillane sure knew how to write tough dialog and Hammer's commentary is quite enjoyable—that is, when Hammer isn't beating information out of suspects! "I, The Jury" begins with some poor shmoe getting shot at close range by some assailant—who the killer is, we do not know. It turns out the victim is one of Mike Hammer's friends—and Mike is determined to get them. This is personal
and Hammer is mad. Along the way he meets lots of odd characters as well as some ultra-hot and bothered women! It's all quite enjoyable but also a bit talky and the plot is a bit confusing unless you play close attention. Overall, it's worth seeing but not a great noir film.
Review of I, the Jury
