The First Deadly Sin

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mark G @Mark_Alan_G. Jun 15, 2026 This movie is for Sinatra fans, because quite frankly, few other actors are given much to work with. Truthfully, Dunaway is completely wasted, doing nothing more than dying in bed. Frank does shine in a real slow burn of a performance. And the cinematography is exquisite, great shots of NYC at night. Dreary and depressing, but still worth the watch. See more Dana H @RT99804383 Nov 23, 2025 This film came out in 1980. At the time most films were very much geared towards action and comedy. I saw this film and loved it. Others, at the time, didn’t like the slow pace. I liked it because it showed several really good actors at their best. Sinatra and Dunaway were in top form in this film and the secondary cast was full of perfect performance character studies. It showed life full of people trying to do their best at a time when the world was rapidly changing. Movie goers were looking for loud, in your face, performances at that time. Not the subtle message and character studies this film gave. The weariness of age and fighting evil quietly, while the world was going through profound changes. Not so different from 2025 for me. Only watch if you want a slow burning character driven film to enjoy on a rainy afternoon or late at night when you can’t sleep. I dare you to pick out a non credited Bruce Willis in his no lines film debut as just one brief moment in the New York crowd, walking past Frank Sinatra. See more Steve D @RT35616104 Aug 17, 2023 slow moving and joyless. See more Jun 19, 2021 Good movie that should have been better, but Sinatra's honest performance makes it well worth watching... See more Oct 4, 2020 It's a sin to kill but this movie deals with a killer committing several of them Starting the legendary Frank Sinatra and Faye Dunaway Delaney is nearing the end of his career as a New York City homicide detective. But, before he can retire, he picks up a case involving multiple brutal murders, the victims of which have nothing in common. A museum curator (Martin Gabel), they both start to piece together the few clues left behind. As if that wasn't enough to worry about his wife diagnosed with a serious disease. One of her kidneys is surgically removed and it's unsure what will happen to her. This whole thing feels more like those 1940s murder mysteries of old. Not a lot happens. Too much talking and so many slow moments. I think older audiences will get more out of it. See more Nov 6, 2019 Solid and gritty cop movie that also touches on personal life struggles with its characters, including Frank Sinatra's who has struggles with finding a serial killer and dealing with his wife's sever illness. Perhaps Sinatra's best work. Also great acting from the supporting cast including Martin Gabel, Brenda Vaccaro, Anthony Zerbe, and the great character actor Joe Spinell. See more Read all reviews

The First Deadly Sin

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