A small conflicted family drama about a young man (John Derek), son of a wealthy and retired lawyer (Lee J. Cobb), trying to find ways to escape justice
after accidentally killing his best friend during an argument. His whole family end up knowing about his secret and they'll find ways to either help him out
in one or the other - the father advises the son to surrender himself because he might get a fair trial with the friendly prosecutor, of whom he's applying
for a working position; but the mother is more desperate and feels that since no one found out about him maybe they can hide the truth from everyone. But the
real challenge comes to the man himself, tormented each step of the way with his heavy conscience. Is there ever a way out?
"The Family Secret" is one of those typical crime drama where the society's morals and values are put into questioning and it's all thrown back at us in
those kind of scenarios where you can imagine yourself being put to the test in finding solutions or alternatives in dealing with everything or facing the
consequences. Nothing wrong with this concept since it has resulted (and still do) many great films over the decades but it all depends on a number of factors
such as the story and elements presented - and how it all ties everything together - and the casting as well. Obvious there's some bumps along the way and
fullfilment and enjoyment on it can affect some viewers.
Mr. Cobb is an honorable actor that always bring quality and presence with his roles wheter being in classic masterpieces such as "On the Waterfront" or
"12 Angry Men", or in lesser known films such as this one, "The Man in the Grey Flannel" or "The Man Who Cheated Himself". As the father, he carries a powerful
emotional weight while trying to solve his son's problems yet always advising him that he should turn himself to authorities, and when a third party is accused of
the murder and her wife wants to hire Cobb as the lawyer things get desperate for everybody involved.
Pity that except Cobb and other veterans, the youngers in the movie make it a very distracting experience to the point it can almost make it unberable
at parts. Major problem comes with John Derek, since there's no appeal to him, neither to the character who keeps finding romance on two ways which is
confusing, almost pointless at parts. He's somewhat engaged with a tedious rich girl but at the same time he keeps charming his own secretary at work - none
of them really want them, there's always some rebuttal of theirs on him yet he keeps chasing both of them until some enlightment comes to his head, and all
that while the investigation and a possible murder trial pending that he also keeps obsessing. Didn't care for the girls acting either, too bland.
The heart of the matter which is the whole case and the ethics within the household is what makes "The Family Secret" a positively enjoyable and
thrilling experience where you keep on the edge to find out how everything's gonna get solved. It's a small film with some big questioning, and it's all up
to us in the audience to be the judge of their actions, the family mostly. Maybe some conclusions and some actions are wronged because of the egotist and spoiled manners of the young man.
A real pity that the actual crime isn't shown on the opening
scene neither the friend is given a face (audiences like that, to form a bond between a character or even form an emotional bond with the victim) and most of
that's said as motivation (though an accident) gives the impression that a lot more was going between those two guys. It's never mentioned and it makes
audiences make some theories about it - quite valid.
Go with little expectations, except that Mr. Cobb surely delivers again a stellar performance that makes everything the more enjoyable as possible. 7/10.
