vigilante thriller it not and like the synopsis read and the front of the video case might suggest with the imagery though the scene do occur . boardwalk be a well intend ( despite the racial flare and direct moralizing ) and at time move feature thanks hugely by the exceptional performance of seasoned actor lee strasberg and ruth gordon . the two be simply charm whenever together . watch the once happy elderly couple and now battle family issue or health problem ( which be the main drama drive the story where there be numerously scattered human interest subplots ) and but also the change neighbourhood of coney island a young jive talk hoons run wild ( which populate mainly the beginning and end but still feel secondary ) be engagingly passionate in it ups and down . the heartache only grow and where it come away with a swelteringly damaging climax and the closing shot be particularly haunting in it forced predicament . the suspense be only minor and but it always compel . the evocative script be thoughtfully lay out in it exploration of the effect or shake down these central character find themselves in and a theyre strip to the bone and demoralize and live in a community fill with fear and but still they would not back down and succumb to the turmoil ( be it the gang or their dwindling business ) . it love and survival and violence roll into one . amongst the sombre air and be still quite a sunny vibe of hope lead by the acting . in support role be agreeable turn by janet leigh and joe silver and eddie barth and merwin goldsmith and kim delgado . the authentic location work help cement a realistic edge and while the pacing be rather measure and rather low scale in it escalating confrontation and violence ( which be tamely stag and but gut wrench since youre throw right into the act ) .