Dan Duryea (L) agrees to help agent Howard Duff. Image: IMDb
Here’s an underrated “B” Crime Drama/Buddy Road Movie you might like: Johnny Stool Pigeon (1949).
The film stars Howard Duff as a U.S. Treasury agent, and Dan Duryea as the criminal who Hates his Guts. You’ll not be surprised to learn Duff was the agent who sent Duryea to Alcatraz.
Their “reunion” occurs early in the film, and the scene is marvelous. Duff goes to Alcatraz to enlist Duryea’s assistance in Bringing Down an international drug smuggling ring.
Duff waits, seated at a prison table, mulling over his unreasonable expectation. Unfortunately for Duff the actor, this is his last memorable scene; he folds into the background as soon as Duryea strides into the movie.
Dryea’s arrival tilts the film in his favour, and we’re riveted by him. His vengeful, high-strung energy blocks out Everything Else. (Are there other actors in this scene? Who knows?)
Duryea does not sit at the table with Duff. He stands at a distance, as though he doesn’t trust himself to get too close. He smokes steadily, silently, staring at Duff with hatred and disgust.
Miraculously, a Deal with Duryea is made, but the convict is frank about the reason why: When the opportunity arises, he will murder Duff.
We believe him. We already see Duryea is the Smart One, and we’re well aware of his two primary feelings towards Duff: (1) Hatred; and (2) Disbelief at how dense the agent is.
With this framework established, the pair embark on a road trip to Get the Bad Guys.
Shelley Winters and the nonreciprocating Duff. Image: sarabethonline.com
Duff’s character is, on the surface, the less interesting one, but he does provide a sharp contrast to Duryea. For example, Duff’s voice is deep, smooth, and velvety, while Duryea’s is thin, nasal, and tightly wound.
The key to Duff’s character is his obliviousness. For example, he’s blind to his own sartorial coolness, and when Good Time Girl Shelley Winters gloms onto him, he’s unaware of her intense interest in him.
He’s not without intelligence, but he’s so focused on his Task, he closes off his peripheral vision.
Duryea mocks him for this, sardonically calling him “Copper”. It’s Duryea who coaches Duff in the ways of a drug smuggler, telling him how to dress, what kind of gun to carry, and how not to look like a Stinking Copper. He even has to point out to Duff that Winters is Falling Over Herself to get his attention.
(Why Duff’s character, of all people, is chosen as the Lead on this operation is anyone’s guess. We often catch Duryea wondering the same thing.)
Even so, Duff be cruel. To show he Means Business, Duff surprises the newly-released convict with a trip to the San Francisco morgue. Here, Duryea is asked to identify the body of his wife, whom he did not know had died of a drug overdose.
Duryea is shaken by the revelation, and we the audience immediately find ourselves rooting for him.
Duryea ain’t scare of Duff. Image: Pinterest
Johnny Stool Pigeon wasn’t the first Hollywood Buddy Movie and, despite its gritty newsreel vibe, it feels similar to later Buddy Cop Movies like Lethal Weapon (1987) and Rush Hour (1998) – minus the comedy.
As you know, Buddy Movies usually concentrate on two main characters who develop a strong bond during their Quest. It’s a predictable formula to be sure, but a satisfying one in capable hands.
Johnny Stool Pigeon was directed by William Castle, known as an innovative promoter of his “B” horror flicks. For his 1959 thriller, The Tingler, for instance, Castle famously attached motors to various movie theatre seats that would agitate at key moments during the film.
In our 1949 crime drama, Castle trades studio polish for neorealism. It has a documentary feel at times, but it never drags nor slips into sanctimonious self-righteousness. (Hollywood’s lectures on drug use are always a little rich, no?)
We think you’ll like Johnny Stool Pigeon, despite the cheesy title. It’s an intriguing story, but not half as intriguing as the dynamics between a smart convict and a dense cop.
Johnny Stool Pigeon: starring Howard Duff, Shelley Winters, Dan Duryea. Directed by William Castle. Written by Henry Jordan. Universal International Pictures, 1949, B&W, 76 mins.
This was sold to me for Howard Duff – who I’ve only seen in soaps and Aaron Spelling productions and Shelley Winters. Thanks for bringing this one to the blogathon and for covering the dense cop trope so admirably. Just added you to Day 1.
I loved your take on it. I have felt that way about a few films… its hard though when one with a serious matter has a crazy out of place moment though.
Great, intriguing review! I went hunting and found this on YouTube for free Which made me very happy. I just saw Howard duff on I love Lucy again So it’s good it’s good time timing .
Of course it’s always a good day to see Dan Duryea in something
Nice, have never heard of this one but love the cast. My favorite Duryea role is as the dumb son of the conniving Giddens family in Little Foxes but he’s great in all the noir pictures as well. Howard Duff was equally good at drama and comedy and worked well into his elder years. Miss Shelley Winters elevates everything she’s ever in, what a scene stealer and great actor….
I have to confess that the cheesy title of Johnny Stool Pigeon intrigues me but the fact William Castle directed it intrigues me even more! Thank you for putting this on my radar, Ruth with your entertaining review!
Wow, that’s a lot of star power to pack into a B that runs only an hour and some change — and I notice that Tony Curtis is in it too! I’m pretty sure I saved this a while back to my Youtube watchlist. Not sure why I haven’t gotten around to seeing it, as I’m a big Duryea, Winters and William Castle fan. (Castle is a fascinating story, spending years as a contract director making B’s like this before striking out as the P.T. Barnum of exploitation pictures.)
I’d be interested in seeing this film even if Duff and Duryea weren’t later to each star in his own excellent Twilight Zone episode, but that fact does make it all the more interesting for me. Thanks for spotlighting this one!
Wonderful review of a film I really need to see (you had my attention with William Castle). Your description of the dynamics between the two leads demonstrates these two characters were perfect for the Mismatched Couple Blogathon. Thank you for joining!
“(Are there other actors in this scene? Who knows?)” 😂 I love it! Johnny Stool Pigeon feels more like the film “Heat,” where the coolness of De Niro overshadows all the hard work Pacino tries to do on screen. I’m on board to see another version of this tense and exciting duo dynamic.
Excellent point. Yeah, the coolness of one actor does overshadow the efforts of another actor, like you said. This film is well worth it, if you ever come across it.
I haven’t seen this film yet but reading your post gave me a great introduction to it. I’m a William Castle fan but I have mainly seen his films from the 1950’s and 1960’s. I def have to check this one out. It came out the year my parents were born so I always thought of 1949 as a good year. Thank you for such a great post! xox
William Castle proves his storytelling abilities here. Great character studies, tension, and a galloping plot that never stumbles. I hope you get the chance to see it!
Good question. Johnny Stool Piegeon os a somewhat gritty movie that ought to be more well known. It’s an interesting set-up with the pairing of the laser-focused cop and the vengeful ex-con.
Silver Screenings 
This was sold to me for Howard Duff – who I’ve only seen in soaps and Aaron Spelling productions and Shelley Winters. Thanks for bringing this one to the blogathon and for covering the dense cop trope so admirably. Just added you to Day 1.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Gill! I had every intention of mock-watching this film, but ended up genuinely liking it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved your take on it. I have felt that way about a few films… its hard though when one with a serious matter has a crazy out of place moment though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great, intriguing review! I went hunting and found this on YouTube for free Which made me very happy. I just saw Howard duff on I love Lucy again So it’s good it’s good time timing .
Of course it’s always a good day to see Dan Duryea in something
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yay! Glad you found it, and I hope you enjoy. Dan Duryea is terrific in this film, like he always is.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice, have never heard of this one but love the cast. My favorite Duryea role is as the dumb son of the conniving Giddens family in Little Foxes but he’s great in all the noir pictures as well. Howard Duff was equally good at drama and comedy and worked well into his elder years. Miss Shelley Winters elevates everything she’s ever in, what a scene stealer and great actor….
Great post! Cheers!
-C
LikeLiked by 2 people
This is a well-acted flick, which isn’t surprising given the cast. It’s become a new fave!
LikeLike
I have to confess that the cheesy title of Johnny Stool Pigeon intrigues me but the fact William Castle directed it intrigues me even more! Thank you for putting this on my radar, Ruth with your entertaining review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, John! Yup, I think you might like this one, if only for the excellent cast. William Castle handles the script in his usual fine fashion.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This sounds like a very intriguing film, especially if directed by William Castle. Thanks for making us discover it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It sounds like a cheesy film, but it’s a great character study. I hope you enjoy if you get the chance to see it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, that’s a lot of star power to pack into a B that runs only an hour and some change — and I notice that Tony Curtis is in it too! I’m pretty sure I saved this a while back to my Youtube watchlist. Not sure why I haven’t gotten around to seeing it, as I’m a big Duryea, Winters and William Castle fan. (Castle is a fascinating story, spending years as a contract director making B’s like this before striking out as the P.T. Barnum of exploitation pictures.)
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s an amazing cast, isnt it? Tony Curtis is good in this movie, portraying menace without saying a word.
William Castle did spend a lot of years grinding out B movies, as you say, and leaving us with some gems – like this one.
LikeLike
Usually buddy movies are comedies—this one doesn’t sound very humorous, especially that scene at the morgue!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re right, buddy movies are usually comedies, something I should have pointed out in my post. 🥴
LikeLike
And I thought I had pretty much heard of Castle’s oeuvre. Here’s one that I never heard of. (And nothing like the ones I HAVE heard of, apparently…)
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’ve got to see this one!
LikeLike
Interesting! One I haven’t seen and I enjoy all the people involved, especially Duryea–will watch anything of his. Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Duryea is fantastic, but when is he not? I think you’d really like this one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d be interested in seeing this film even if Duff and Duryea weren’t later to each star in his own excellent Twilight Zone episode, but that fact does make it all the more interesting for me. Thanks for spotlighting this one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think you’d really like this one. I have yet to see the Duff & Duryea Twilight Zone episodes you mentioned. Hope to see them soon.
LikeLike
Wonderful review of a film I really need to see (you had my attention with William Castle). Your description of the dynamics between the two leads demonstrates these two characters were perfect for the Mismatched Couple Blogathon. Thank you for joining!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yes, Barry, you really ought to see this one. Duryea practically walks away with the entire film.
LikeLike
“(Are there other actors in this scene? Who knows?)” 😂 I love it! Johnny Stool Pigeon feels more like the film “Heat,” where the coolness of De Niro overshadows all the hard work Pacino tries to do on screen. I’m on board to see another version of this tense and exciting duo dynamic.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent point. Yeah, the coolness of one actor does overshadow the efforts of another actor, like you said. This film is well worth it, if you ever come across it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I haven’t seen this film yet but reading your post gave me a great introduction to it. I’m a William Castle fan but I have mainly seen his films from the 1950’s and 1960’s. I def have to check this one out. It came out the year my parents were born so I always thought of 1949 as a good year. Thank you for such a great post! xox
LikeLiked by 1 person
William Castle proves his storytelling abilities here. Great character studies, tension, and a galloping plot that never stumbles. I hope you get the chance to see it!
LikeLike
I’m definitely intrigued. Wonder what the Hayes Office thought of the title.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good question. Johnny Stool Piegeon os a somewhat gritty movie that ought to be more well known. It’s an interesting set-up with the pairing of the laser-focused cop and the vengeful ex-con.
LikeLike