The primary reason that this film isn't better is the overbearing influence of J. Edgar Hoover and the kowtowing of Warner Bros to his every whim -- perhaps he threatened to investigate Jack Warner if he didn't get his way, and there was much to investigate from a sleaze standpoint in Warner's background. The most blatant fabrication is the portrayal of Hoover "arresting" Alvin Karpis. I was also disappointed that Hoover and Clyde Tolson's cameo doesn't show them modeling a couple of their new party frocks. The F. B. I. Is still the best investigative agency in the world, and Hoover deserves the lion's share of the credit for molding the agency. The stories highlighted are among their many accomplishments of the agency in service of the nation, but too much time is spent with the story of fictional agent Hardesty, and at times the result is as bad as Leave It To Beaver or Ozzie and Harriet.
Review of The FBI Story
