This feature adaptation of the hit television series eschews the established policier boilerplate in favor of Sgt. Joe Friday (Webb) and partner Officer Frank Smith (Ben Alexander) pursuing a fact-based murder case of an organized crime bookie. Webb gives no quarter during a relentless investigation backstopped by Captain James Hamilton (Richard Boone) and undercover policewoman Officer Grace Downey (Ann Robinson). Presented in a no-holds barred style that drew howls from civil libertarians, this film is a favorite of legendary noir fiction writer James Ellroy who will introduce the screening. A rarely seen, cinematic melding of mid 20th century history and popular culture!