Its borderline-obscene wallop is derived from its brusque brutality.

Despite the indifferent print on view, it still shines with ferocious, exhilarating fervour.

The Phenix City Story, then should be commended for having attempted to dis- close to the wide public an undistorted image of one of the standing ills that afflict our society.

A violent, absorbing true story about an Alabama town's efforts to throw off the shackles of organized crime. Recommended.