AllMovie

Due to its subject matter, Slaughter On Tenth Avenue will inevitably be compared to On the Waterfront and will likewise inevitably found lacking in comparison to that classic film. However, taken on its own terms, Slaughter is a good, if unexceptional, picture in the crime thriller vein. Certainly, its basic concept -- little man struggles against the mighty and powerful in order to see justice done -- is one that is familiar, but also one that has a lot of resonance with audiences, and Slaughter handles it with enough belief in its basic worth to make the film a lively, sometimes gripping experience. The script is put together well, with all the appropriate pieces in the appropriate places, and with dialogue that is above average and sometimes quite powerful. Arnold Laven's direction is smooth and efficient, and in the leading role, Richard Egan does all that is asked of him. If Egan lacks that little extra spark that would make the role truly spring to life, he still does a more than commendable job. Even better is Jan Sterling in a hard-as-nails-but-tender-underneath performance that is spot on, and Dan Duryea as an oily defense lawyer. Watch out also for Walkter Matthau in an early "heavy" role, and doing quite nicely. If Slaughter doesn't soar to the heights of the music of the ballet from which it takes its name, it still provides a very decent time.