4/5 FBI STORY
  by A Viewer (Elgin, IL)
There are some pretty absurd statements in some of the reviews below, from people on both the left and the right ends of the political spectrum. Listen, this film was produced with the full cooperation and participation of the FBI, so of course it's going to be unabashed propaganda for the bureau. But so what? The FBI Story was produced 50 years ago in a very different world. What's the point of being angry about it now? It's still entertaining to watch. Stewart is always an engaging actor, and Vera Miles is very good as his long-suffering wife. It goes on a little too long, otherwise I'd give it 5 stars.

One thing nobody has mentioned is how good this DVD looks. I love the old Technicolor movies from the 50's, and this one looks great. The scenes in the South American jungle, wherever they were actually shot, are a riot of color, and the whole film is a treat for the eyes.

5/5 "Wanted--by the FBI"
  by Phoebe Stogstill (by the shores of Gitchee Goomie)
Jimmy Stewart explains to a "fly on the wall" and superbly dramatizes the glory days of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He tells the intriguing tales of how the FBI was able to crack some of the most mysterious, diabolically clever, grisliest crimes it ever sought to crack and how it infiltrated some of the most heineous underground organizations ever launched in our country. The frames of the reels are filled with not one story, but several different cases and stories, and these are woven into the fabric of his pressure-cooker personal and family life. It is very entertaining and thought-provoking to the viewer, especially when keeping in mind the later opinions generated by J. Edgar Hoover and his stange ways. A very good movie. Watch Jimmy as he comes face to face with the living personas depicted on wanted posters.

5/5 a real classic
  by bluewildcat1968 (camden n.j. usa)
this was a real classic james stewart, the making of the f.b.i. or g-men buy this one.

5/5 The FBI Story
  by Mr C Guttridge (Sydney Australia)
I have been looking for the FBI story for a long time and have until now been unable to find it. Amazon had it so I ordered it from them. I receive it within 2 weeks and being on the other side of the world was something I thought was great. It is I believe one of James Stewart's best movies and I have already watched it twice. Thank you.

5/5 Best Unintended Comedy/Propoganda Puff Ever
  by Steven Mackay (U.S.)
"The FBI Story" is hands down the funniest straight-laced drama ever made, and one of the greatest '50s pro-government propoganda tools to boot. Made by a scared Hollywood, the film is a white wash of the FBI and J. Edgar Hoover's history. Case in point: Hoover is shown from behind as a strikingly tall invidual with broad shoulders. In fact, he was not. The FBI is shown as a great supporter of Civil Rights and fighting the KKK. In fact, they did every thing in their power to destory MLK Jr. and anyone who dared take on the white power establishment. Let's not get into wire-tapping, secret files and blackmail schemes. People die of gunshots and slump down dead; no blood, no pain, just all quick and fun. It's all so phony, it's a laugh riot. Take the death of a major character within Stewart's family -- it's false, and must have come from the pen of someone who's never even met a man who has lost a child. A few folks here call it "true American history" and decry "liberal modernism." How sad that they lie to themselves. Do they also think blacks voluntarily came over to America to happily work our fields? Or that four girls blew themsleves up in a church in Alabama? I can't imagine a minority who lived during the '50s or before can look at this and call it true. Certainly, the FBI and America as a whole has done great things that are immeasurable, but let's not kid ourselves -- we've done plenty wrong. And we need to admit it, not just pretend it didn't happen. As history, "The FBI Story" certainly gets a 0. As what it was intended (propoganda to get boys to die for Uncle Sam) and what is (disturbingly funny), it's brilliant. Sadly brilliant.