Brass

Brass is a 1985 film directed by Corey Allen and starring Carroll O’Connor as Warren Tuttle, a retired police officer who opens a private detective agency. Along with his business partner, Bobby Korshack (Larry Atlas), Tuttle attempts to unravel the mystery of a missing girl in a small midwestern town.

The film takes place in a bleak, industrial setting reminiscent of films like Blue Collar and The Killing of a Chinese Bookie. The duo's investigation leads them into the world of local politicians, corrupt union bosses, and even the police department.

Lois Nettleton co-stars as Tuttle's estranged wife Nell, who reconnects with her husband after the disappearance of a young woman named Cindy. The search for Cindy becomes increasingly complicated when Tuttle discovers she was romantically involved with his son, who died years before.

O'Connor delivers a strong and nuanced performance as Tuttle, a gruff and stubborn man with a gentle heart. His interactions with Nell are especially poignant, as they struggle to overcome their past and work together to solve the case.

The film's cinematography and score add to its bleak yet captivating atmosphere. The town is shown to be a place where dreams go to die, and the colors are muted and dark. In contrast, the score is hauntingly beautiful, adding an eerie quality to the proceedings.

Despite its slow pace, Brass is an engaging film that builds to a tense and satisfying conclusion. The characters are complex and realistically portrayed, and the story has enough twists and turns to keep the viewer engaged.

While the film may not be as well-known as others from the era, it is a hidden gem that deserves more attention. O'Connor delivers a tour-de-force performance that is sure to impress his fans, and the rest of the cast performs admirably as well. Brass is a film that will stick with you long after the credits roll.