Phil Karlson was a Journalist Disguised as a Hollywood Movie Director; See His Classic True Crime Story, The Phenix City Story (1955)

By David in TN
Sunday, July 8, 2018 at 7:17:00 P.M. EDT

The Phenix City Story (1955) is one of the 50s’ crime stories often lumped in the film noir category.

The Phenix City Story stars Richard Kiley, John McIntire, James Edwards and Kathryn Grant (the future Mrs. Bing Crosby). It’s directed by Phil Karlson, who liked to have a black guy as the hero’s friend. In the 50’s, James Edwards was the choice when a black actor was needed.

It’s based on the true story of Phenix, Alabama, called “Sin City of the South.” A prominent attorney named Albert Patterson (portrayed by John McIntire) agreed to run for Alabama Attorney General to destroy the crime gang called the “Dixie Mafia.” Albert Patterson was assassinated after winning the Democratic primary, which would ensure election. The Dixie Mafia would do what the Italian Mafia would not—kill a prominent citizen.

John Patterson, son of Albert, took his place and won the election. Richard Kiley plays him in the film.

Karlson takes these facts and gives an action-packed, but fictionalized story. He did the same thing with the massive 1973 box office hit, Walking Tall.

In real life, John Patterson was elected Governor of Alabama in 1958 by running as a hard-line segregationist. He beat a racial moderate named George Wallace. Interestingly, Patterson was an admirer of John F. Kennedy, enthusiastically supporting JFK for President in 1960. In 1961, Patterson put the Alabama Air National Guard at Kennedy’s disposal for the Bay of Pigs operation.

In later years, John Patterson said he took the segregationist position because the people wanted it. In 2008, Patterson endorsed Barack Obama. He had become what he was portrayed as by Richard Kiley in Karlson’s film.

N.S.: David posted this splendid essay almost a year ago as a comment, and I thought for sure I’d published it, but I just learned otherwise. Sorry, David.