In film, the lawman can prove to be as disturbing as the villain. From the 1950s onwards, his image as the incorruptible and courageous upholder of the law started to take on a more unsettling aspect. Shady, brutal, racist and manipulative cop characters invaded the screens, portraying easy prey in a world ruled by vice and violence, while others were ready to do anything to ensure the triumph of justice. This retrospective brings together 14 films, all thrilling stories exploring the age-old conflict between good and evil.