A second look at pre-Code classic Three on a Match (1932) includes an appraisal of early Humphrey Bogart movies, contemporary reaction, and a checklist of stars. Plus Warren William.
Special Investigator (1936) – Richard Dix Stars in Erle Stanley Gardner Story
Big-city mouthpiece Richard Dix seeks to bring his brother’s killers to justice in a Nevada mining town in Special Investigator, a 1936 RKO “B” entry based on an Erle Stanley Gardner story.
The Roaring Twenties (1939) Starring James Cagney, Humphrey Bogart
One of James Cagney’s classic gangster movies, The Roaring Twenties (1939) also boasts an especially nasty Humphrey Bogart in its cast, plus strong work from Gladys George. Post includes background about writer Mark Hellinger, real-life roaring twenties personalities Larry Fay and Texas Guinan, plus a look at a pre-Code predecessor Broadway Thru a Keyhole (1933).
The Widow from Chicago (1930) Starring Alice White
Edward G. Robinson in an early gangster role that’s supposed to take a backseat to early talkie attraction Alice White. Film works for fans of both.
Josef von Sternberg’s Underworld (1927) Starring George Bancroft
Josef von Sternberg’s Underworld (1927) inspires a cycle of gangster films that stretches beyond the late silent era. A look at the performances of George Bancroft, Evelyn Brent, and Clive Brook, and the relationship between their characters.
Bad Company (1931) Starring Ricardo Cortez
RKO-Pathe pre-Code gangster film Bad Company (1931) stars Ricardo Cortez with Helen Twelvetrees and John Garrick. Directed by Tay Garnett.
Lightning Review: The Girl in 419 (1933) Starring James Dunn
Brief look at Paramount pre-Code THE GIRL IN 419 (1933), gangster movie and hospital drama starring James Dunn with Gloria Stuart, David Manners, and William Harrigan. Directed by Alexander Hall and George Somnes.
Lightning Review: Chinatown Nights (1929) Starring Wallace Beery
Lightning review takes a brief look at transitional Paramount talkie Chinatown Nights (1929) starring Wallace Beery, Florence Vidor, and Warner Oland. Directed by William A. Wellman.
Manhattan Melodrama (1934) Starring Clark Gable, William Powell, Myrna Loy
Famed for its part in leading to the end of outlaw John Dillinger’s life, and revered by movie buffs as the first of the William Powell-Myrna Loy team-ups, MGM’s Manhattan Melodrama is a solid underworld effort highlighted by a top performance from Clark Gable.
Show Them No Mercy (1935) Starring Rochelle Hudson and Cesar Romero
A band of kidnappers return to their hideout with $200,000 in ransom money in Show Them No Mercy. They find a stranded family at the house and have no choice but to hold them captive until they make sure the ransom money is good.
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