The Crimson Kimono (1959)

In the underbelly of Los Angeles, two ex-Korean War comrades, Charlie Bancroft and Joe Kojaku, share an unbreakable bond. Now serving as LAPD homicide detectives, they tackle the city's most chilling cases, with Charlie as a seasoned sergeant and Joe, a Japanese-American, preparing for his own sergeant's exam. Their camaraderie is tested when they are plunged into their next enigma: the murder of the sultry burlesque queen, Sugar Torch. Sugar Torch was brutally gunned down in the city streets, desperately trying to escape the clutches of an unseen assailant poised for her in her dressing room. The detectives find themselves navigating a complex web of intrigue, suspecting that the key to the case lies within a mysterious man in her life and her fresh geisha/samurai warrior themed act. Joe courageously delves into the heart of the Japanese community, reflecting his own heritage, to explore this captivating lead. As the duo follows the trails of the puzzling case, an unexpected twist emerges. Christine Downs, a young student artist, becomes entangled in their investigation as a potential witness who might identify Sugar's enigmatic lover, making her both invaluable and a potential target. As they strive to protect her from the looming danger, a new battlefield unfolds. Both Charlie and Joe find themselves irresistibly drawn to the intriguing Christine. Despite their loyalty to each other, they can't ignore the growing tension between them as they both fall for her. This romantic entanglement threatens to shatter their friendship and complicates the investigation, as issues of race unexpectedly seep into their previously colorblind camaraderie. The Crimson Kimono weaves a classic noir tale of intrigue, love, and betrayal. Will the detectives solve the perplexing murder case? Or will their personal conflicts cloud their judgment and put their friendship and love interest in jeopardy? This is a Sam Fuller masterpiece that beautifully blends the lines between friendship, duty, and the complexities of the human heart.

The Crimson Kimono is a crime movie featuring Victoria Shaw and directed by Samuel Fuller.

It is possible to buy The Crimson Kimono on Amazon Video, Apple TV, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.