After a strange needless introduction and a slow start, "The Sleeping City" takes off in its final third, when the investigation into the murder of a troubled young intern gains traction. Set in New York City's Bellevue Hospital, the film opens with actor Richard Conte as himself in a short publicity promotion for the hospital; unfortunately, the film's premise, undercover cops posing as doctors, undercuts any confidence potential patients might have to undergo medical treatment at Bellevue. Once viewers swallow the premise that a major hospital would allow cops to falsify credentials, don medical attire, make rounds of the wards, diagnose patients, and administer medicine, then they can get on with the story. Evidently shot on a low budget, the film effectively uses the hospital and the surrounding neighborhood as locations; William Miller's crisp black-and-white cinematography captures the institution and a gritty New York at mid-20th-century in beautiful period shots.
Once Richard Conte dispenses with his preamble, he assumes the role of Detective Fred Rowan and then quickly steps into the role of Doctor Fred Gilbert to investigate the murder. Conte's performance is credible, although his appearance as himself in the intro makes his transition to fictional character jarring. The rest of the cast can be described as adequate, with Coleen Gray icy and cool as a nurse, Richard Taber crafty as an elevator operator, and Alex Nicol restless as a bitter and broke young doctor. Once Conte's preposterous impersonation and the depiction of doctors as underpaid and futureless are accepted, Jo Eisenger's script takes awhile to get up steam, but comes alive when the hospital's mysteries are uncovered. Skills largely honed on westerns, director George Sherman quickens his initially-slow pace after a second murder inspires Conte to accept an offer from a seemingly over-generous employee.
Miller's exceptional photography and the street scenes of 1950's New York City are "The Sleeping City's" prime assets; although portrayed in an unflattering light, some may even relish shots of the corridors, operating rooms, and wards of Bellevue Hospital, although, by current standards, no one would want to end up there for medical attention. The performances are adequate, the plot somewhat engaging, and the film passably entertaining. However, those who are not fans of Conte and Bellevue Hospital may find "The Sleeping City" a bit of a slog.
Once Richard Conte dispenses with his preamble, he assumes the role of Detective Fred Rowan and then quickly steps into the role of Doctor Fred Gilbert to investigate the murder. Conte's performance is credible, although his appearance as himself in the intro makes his transition to fictional character jarring. The rest of the cast can be described as adequate, with Coleen Gray icy and cool as a nurse, Richard Taber crafty as an elevator operator, and Alex Nicol restless as a bitter and broke young doctor. Once Conte's preposterous impersonation and the depiction of doctors as underpaid and futureless are accepted, Jo Eisenger's script takes awhile to get up steam, but comes alive when the hospital's mysteries are uncovered. Skills largely honed on westerns, director George Sherman quickens his initially-slow pace after a second murder inspires Conte to accept an offer from a seemingly over-generous employee.
Miller's exceptional photography and the street scenes of 1950's New York City are "The Sleeping City's" prime assets; although portrayed in an unflattering light, some may even relish shots of the corridors, operating rooms, and wards of Bellevue Hospital, although, by current standards, no one would want to end up there for medical attention. The performances are adequate, the plot somewhat engaging, and the film passably entertaining. However, those who are not fans of Conte and Bellevue Hospital may find "The Sleeping City" a bit of a slog.