The FBI Story

Directed by	Mervyn LeRoy
Written by	Richard L. Breen John Twist
Starring	James Stewart Vera Miles
Produced by	Mervyn LeRoy
Distributed by	Warner Bros.
Release date	October, 1959
Runtime	149 min.
Language	English
Budget
IMDb page

The FBI Story is a 1959 drama film directed and produced by Mervyn LeRoy and starring James Stewart. Based on a book by Don Whitehead, the Federal Bureau of Investigation had great influence over the production, with J. Edgar Hoover acting as a co-producer of sorts. Hoover even forced LeRoy to re-shoot several scenes he didn't think portrayed the FBI in an appropriate light, and played a pivotal role in the casting for the film. Mervyn LeRoy (October 15, 1900 - September 13, 1987) was an American film director, producer and sometime actor. ... Jimmy Stewart, photographed by Carl Van Vechten, 1934 James Maitland Stewart (May 20, 1908 – July 2, 1997) was an American film actor beloved for his persona as an average guy who faces adversity and tries to do the right thing, an image which was largely reflected in his own personality. ... Vera Miles (b. ... Mervyn LeRoy (October 15, 1900 - September 13, 1987) was an American film director, producer and sometime actor. ... Warner Bros. ... October is the tenth month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days. ... 1959 was a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... 1959 was a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... A drama is a film that depends mostly on in-depth character development and interaction. ... Mervyn LeRoy (October 15, 1900 - September 13, 1987) was an American film director, producer and sometime actor. ... Jimmy Stewart, photographed by Carl Van Vechten, 1934 James Maitland Stewart (May 20, 1908 – July 2, 1997) was an American film actor beloved for his persona as an average guy who faces adversity and tries to do the right thing, an image which was largely reflected in his own personality. ... Official FBI Seal The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is a Federal police force which is the principal investigative arm of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). ... Hoover in 1961 John Edgar Hoover (January 1, 1895 – May 2, 1972) was the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) from May 10, 1924, until his death in 1972, having been appointed to that position for life by President John Calvin Coolidge. ...

Plot

Chip Hardesty (James Stewart) recounts his history as an FBI agent during a lecture. He recounts his first involvement as a government clerk through his time as an agent combating bootleggers, the Ku Klux Klan and spies. Jimmy Stewart, photographed by Carl Van Vechten, 1934 James Maitland Stewart (May 20, 1908 – July 2, 1997) was an American film actor beloved for his persona as an average guy who faces adversity and tries to do the right thing, an image which was largely reflected in his own personality. ... The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is a Federal police force which is the principal investigative arm of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). ... Members of the second Ku Klux Klan at a rally during the 1920s. ...

Reception

The film found minor success when first released, but was poorly received by critics. The most common criticism was the film played more like propaganda than a stand-alone film. These critiques are based in fact, as the film's production was greatly associated with the real FBI, and even J. Edgar Hoover. Today, the film has largely been forgotten, though it is still broadcast on cable, and memorable for its stars James Stewart and Vera Miles. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is a Federal police force which is the principal investigative arm of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). ... Hoover in 1961 John Edgar Hoover (January 1, 1895 – May 2, 1972) was the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) from May 10, 1924, until his death in 1972, having been appointed to that position for life by President John Calvin Coolidge. ... Jimmy Stewart, photographed by Carl Van Vechten, 1934 James Maitland Stewart (May 20, 1908 – July 2, 1997) was an American film actor beloved for his persona as an average guy who faces adversity and tries to do the right thing, an image which was largely reflected in his own personality. ... Vera Miles (b. ...

Cast

James Stewart as John Michael ('Chip') Hardesty
Vera Miles as Lucy Ann Hardesty
Murray Hamilton as Sam Crandall
Larry Pennell as George Crandall
Nick Adams as John Gilbert ('Jack') Graham
Diane Jergens as Jennie Hardesty
Jean Willes as Anna Sage
Joyce Taylor as Anne Hardesty Jimmy Stewart, photographed by Carl Van Vechten, 1934 James Maitland Stewart (May 20, 1908 – July 2, 1997) was an American film actor beloved for his persona as an average guy who faces adversity and tries to do the right thing, an image which was largely reflected in his own personality. ... Vera Miles (b. ... Actor Nick Adams in a publicity photo for his US television series The Rebel, about 1960. ...