The Garment Jungle

Lee J. Cobb (The Virginian) stars in this drama as the owner of a dress business who refuses to allow a union into his company.He has employed thugs led by Richard Boone (Have Gun Will Travel) to dissuade workers from joining the union. Those who fight against this are beaten up or murdered unknown to Cobb until his son returns home and befriends the head of the union movement played by Robert Loggia (Big) and his wife played by Gia Scala. A hard hitting movie inspired by articles written in the Reader's Digest by Lester Velie a journalist and crime reporter who inspired the brilliant but short-lived TV series "Target:The Corruptors". The only bonus material is the movie trailer. Read more

Though film noir is often thought of as a style for thrillers, there are also those films which are concerned with the corruption of business: a prime example would be Jules Dassin's THIEVES HIGHWAY. THE GARMENT JUNGLE is another example, though it's not quite as explosive as the intention seems to be. Perhaps that may be due to the fact that there were several directors involved in the project (Robert Aldrich began the project but was taken off early on). Taking the corruption in New York City's garment industry as the basis for the plot, THE GARMENT JUNGLE has some very sharp scenes, Lee J. Cobb in another of his patented evil-boss performances, and sturdy production values. It's well worth a look, even if it's not in the upper range of film noirs. Read more

Someone dies in a rigged elevator crash in the first 5 minutes. That's just the beginning of the gangster violence in this pro-labor union movie. It storyline may not be the epitome of realism (it's hard to believe the garment factory owner can carry on so efficiently but be so naive about the protection thugs he has hired), but the fast-paced plot certainly entertains throughout. The story skirts a few Hayes Code taboos, such as the main character living unmarried with a fashion model, and a pair of homosexual hitmen. The violence is graphic --- from speakers at a union meeting being whipped with tire chains to the chief union organizer being knifed in the abdomen and running down the street, shirt bloodied, before collapsing dead in the gutter. There are also disturbing threats made to the murdered organizer's wife that her infant child will have its legs amputated by gangster butchers if she goes to the DA to testify. But have no fear --- all comes out right, as it must in 1950s movies, at the end. Excellent cast includes Lee J Cobb (and coincidentally the movie feels a lot like On The Waterfront); Richard Boone as the head goon; Robert Loggia as the ill-fated union advocate; Gia Scala as his wife/widow; Jospeh Wiseman as a cowardly comrade of Loggia; and Wesley Addy and Adam Williams as the flamboyantly gay killers. Amazing how a 1957 film could be so raw! Read more

The Garment Jungle is unusually down and dirty for its era. A gripping story with a fine cast; Richard Boone is fabulous, and so very natural, as the sweaty and brutal master strike-breaker. Good use is made of the contrast between the elegant world of couture as seen on the surface and its sleezy, competetive underside. Read more

Made in the 1950's..this is pure 50's Classic about the crime in New York & the garment industrial world.I was about 16 when I first seen this movie.I fell in love with the late & so so beauitful,GIA SCALA.Sadly years later she took her life.She was so good in the movie.Mr.Robert Loggia..playing her husband was great.With stars like,LEE J.COBB & the great RICHARD BOONE.You should pick this classic up.It's in widescreen & b/w.It runs 88 minutes.It will keep your interested to the end.Kerwin Mathews plays Lee J. Cobb's son.He's okay...but..Mr.Loggia & Mr.Boone are very powerful actors..along with Mr.Cobb.But Ms.Scala..she steals my heart. Thankyou. Read more

This is a great Crime/Film Noir movie starring; Lee J. Cobb, Kerwin Mathews, Gia Scala and Richard Boone. This movie was released in 1957, is in B&W, runs for about 88mins (1hr 28mins) and is in Widescreen format. Overall this is a good movie and I would recommend this. Read more

Good premise for a noir, but missed opportunity. Undramatic, boringly written and shot, despite the talented people involved. Not even fun enough to be enjoyed as corny. But at least it's black and white. It's like bad fifties TV. Read more

Details some of the hard fought fights unions had to put up with. The acting by Lee J Cobb is on target...the dialog is good along with the audio and picture quality,....if you know about unions or are in a union, and for those who are not in a union, and see their plight, this film is worth a good hard look. Read more