The First Deadly Sin

The 1980 American crime thriller, directed by Brian G. Hutton, is based on the novel of the same name by Lawrence Sanders. The film follows New York City Police Sergeant Edward X. Delaney (Frank Sinatra), a seasoned detective investigating a series of brutal murders committed with an unusual weapon—a mountaineering ice axe. Concurrently, Delaney faces personal turmoil as his wife, Barbara (Faye Dunaway), is hospitalized with a rare kidney ailment. Despite pressure from his superiors and his own emotional struggles, Delaney is determined to solve the case. His investigation leads him to Daniel Blank (David Dukes), an outwardly respectable individual who is revealed to be a cold-blooded killer. The film delves deeply into the protagonist's psyche, portraying his internal conflict between professional duty and personal emotions. The late 1970s New York City setting adds to the film's dark and intense atmosphere. "The First Deadly Sin" marked Frank Sinatra's final starring film role and received positive reviews for his profound and nuanced performance. The film is also notable for featuring the uncredited film debut of Bruce Willis in a minor background role.