Twenty-One Fingerprints Poster

Twenty-One Fingerprints 1948

84 min📅 1948-07-12

Dive into the gripping world of post-war Japanese crime drama with *Twenty-One Fingerprints* (1948), the third installment in the Bannai Tarao series.

Director: Sadatsugu Matsuda

Cast

Chiezo Kataoka
Chiezo Kataoka
Chizuru Kitagawa
Chizuru Kitagawa
Minoru Takada
Minoru Takada
Akio Kobori
Sumiko Hidaka
Sumiko Hidaka
Reiko Minagawa
丸山英子
Ryutaro Otomo
Ryutaro Otomo
Yukichi Kamishiro
Tatsuo Saitō
Tatsuo Saitō

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Twenty-One Fingerprints (1948) about?

The film follows detective Bannai Tarao as he investigates a high-stakes crime, uncovering a web of clues tied to twenty-one fingerprints left at the scene. The case tests his skills and forces him to confront corruption and betrayal in a post-war Tokyo still on edge.

Who directed Twenty-One Fingerprints?

Sadatsugu Matsuda directs this installment, known for his work in blending crime drama with social themes.

Who stars in Twenty-One Fingerprints?

The film features Chiezo Kataoka, Chizuru Kitagawa, Minoru Takada, Akio Kobori, and Sumiko Hidaka in pivotal roles.

Is Twenty-One Fingerprints (1948) worth watching?

While not rated on IMDb, *Twenty-One Fingerprints* offers a compelling dive into 1940s Japanese crime noir, making it a rewarding watch for fans of classic detective tales and atmospheric storytelling.

How long is Twenty-One Fingerprints?

The film runs for 84 minutes, a tight runtime packed with suspense and intrigue.

About Twenty-One Fingerprints (1948) — Crime Noir with a Gripping Detective Story

Dive into the gripping world of post-war Japanese crime drama with *Twenty-One Fingerprints* (1948), the third installment in the Bannai Tarao series. Directed by the versatile Sadatsugu Matsuda, this 84-minute noir thriller follows a determined detective navigating a shadowy underworld of deception and justice. Chiezo Kataoka leads the stellar cast as Bannai Tarao, a sharp-witted investigator whose unraveling of a complex case hinges on a single, chilling clue: twenty-one fingerprints left behind at a crime scene. The film's moody atmosphere, steeped in moral ambiguity and relentless suspense, captures the tension of a society rebuilding itself while grappling with unseen threats.

At its core, *Twenty-One Fingerprints* explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the fragility of truth, all wrapped in Matsuda's signature blend of grit and elegance. With Minoru Takada and Akio Kobori adding depth to the narrative, this crime classic stands as a testament to 1940s Japanese cinema's ability to blend social commentary with edge-of-your-seat storytelling.