Writers: Dashiell Hammett, Kathryn Scola, Kubec Galsmon
Composers: John Leipold, Heinz Roemheld, Tom Satterfield
Starring: George Raft, Edward Arnold, Claire Dodd, Rosalind Keith, Charles Richman, Robert Gleckler, Guinn 'Big Boy' Williams, Ray Milland, Tammany Young, Harry Tyler, Charles C. Wilson, Emma Dunn, Matt McHugh, Pat Moriarity, Mack Gray, Ann Sheridan, George Reed
More info: IMDb
Plot: Ed Beaumont is the personal friend, advisor and bodyguard to Paul Madvig, the political boss of a large city. When a mysterious murder is committed---the son of a Madvig political opponent---Madvig's enemies try to pin the crime on him because he is waging a clean-up campaign they oppose. Ed risks his life and his reputation to find the killer and clear his friend.
My rating: 7.5/10
Will I watch it again? Probably not.
This one took me off guard and boy am I glad it did. I thought for sure I knew who killed Taylor. Thinking that opened up all kinds of nasty consequences for a couple of the players but I'm pleased it was something different. I like surprises. Raft is great as the man who tries to put the pieces together. His motives seem to change and you're not quite sure where he stands and that's all part of the fun. He does a fine job but his shoulders look unusually stiff. Is that his style or was he not all that good of an actor to use his entire body? Beats me. He comes across best when he's cheerful. He's not smiling much in this one, though. The stunt work is very good, too. A German shepherd jumps on Raft's back and it's fast and badass. Later Raft is escaping out of window two or three floors up and falls and it's harrowing. The last twenty or so minutes are great all the way up to discovering the truth and the final gag which leaves all of the actors smiling and laughing. Look for future star Ann Sheridan in a small role as a no-nonsense, smart-talkin' nurse.
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