Al's Top Rated Films: 1930–1939
IN PROGRESS: These are my favorite movies from the 1930s that I have seen so far. I haven't seen a ton since I'm an 80s baby, but I will continue to add them to the list as I watch them.
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- DirectorMichael CurtizStarsJames CagneyPat O'BrienHumphrey BogartA priest tries to stop a gangster from corrupting a group of street kids.Fantastic crime drama from Michael Curtiz set in the tough New York neighborhood of Hell's Kitchen in 1920. It follows childhood friends Rocky Sullivan (James Cagney) and Jerry Connolly (Pat O'Brien) who take very different routes in life after a robbery goes wrong and Rocky is sent to jail. While Jerry gets away, cleans up his life and becomes a priest who wants to help the community, Rocky gets mixed up in bootlegging, gambling, and other organized crime. After Rocky serves 3 years in prison, he tries to get back to a normal life with his old friend, a corrupt former associate (Humphrey Bogart), and a long-time female acquaintance (Ann Sheridan). He also ends up becoming a friend to a troubled group of local neighborhood boys (The Dead End Kids) who idolize his criminal ways. Jerry is trying to help the boys through the church, but Rocky is subsequently corrupting them with his ideas as he proceeds with his illicit lifestyle. Jerry faces a difficult decision: Help is childhood friend, or expose him to help save the neighborhood boys and the future of the community. James Cagney and Pat O'Brien both delivered their absolute best lead performances. Ann Sheridan, Humphrey Bogart, George Bancroft, Billy Halop, Leo Gorcey, Bobby Jordan, Gabriel Dell, Huntz Hall, Bernard Punsly, and Frankie Burke all excellent supporting roles.
- DirectorLewis MilestoneStarsLew AyresLouis WolheimJohn WrayA German youth eagerly enters World War I, but his enthusiasm wanes as he gets a firsthand view of the horror.Spectacular war drama from Lewis Milestone set in 1914 Germany, and follows a young German named Paul Baumer and a group of his classmates who are strongly persuaded by their teacher to join the German army and fight for the Fatherland in World War I. Feeling empowered by the speech, all the kids eagerly enlist in the army, and are sent off boot camp. While spirits start high, they are immediately brought down by their arduous time in boot camp. The conditions are extremely bleak on the German side. There is little to no food to keep soldiers healthy, and they're supplied with inferior weapons, armor, and medical care. They are forcibly thrusted into horrific and deadly battles as each one of these kids are killed one by one. As the months and years go by, their sense of hopelessness and hatred for the war increases until they are completely hollow inside. Soon, many of them feel that the war is all they have to live for. This has been called the greatest anti-war film of all time, and I'd have to agree. It's incredibly powerful, and is still extremely relevant to this day. For 1930 standards and technology, the picture is clean, the cinematography was excellent, and the sound dialogue was fantastic throughout. The remastering of the picture and sound is incredible. Lew Ayres and Louis Wolheim both delivered fantastic lead performances. William Bakewell, Russell Gleason, Richard Alexander, Slim Summerville, G. Pat Collins, Beryl Mercer, John Wray, Owen Davis Jr., Walter Rogers, Ben Alexander, and Scott Kolk also had excellent supporting roles.
- DirectorRaoul WalshStarsJames CagneyHumphrey BogartPriscilla LaneThree men attempt to make a living in Prohibitionist America after returning home from fighting together in World War I.Superb crime drama/film-noir from Raoul Walsh that follows three men who are sent home in 1919 after fighting in World War I together. Eddie Bartlett (James Cagney) is the main character, and the only work he can find is being a cab driver. By 1920, the dreary era of alcohol prohibition begins, and Eddie stumbles into the business after randomly meeting an owner of a speakeasy (Gladys George); and they get rich off bootlegging. Meanwhile, he strikes up a relationship with an old flame named Jean (Priscilla Lane), and soon brings in his war buddies George (Humphrey Bogart) and Lloyd (Jeffrey Lynn) to help with the business. As the mid-1920s hit, the business of bootlegging if filled with violence, murder, corruption, and greed; which leads to a dismal conclusion to those making a living from it. James Cagney gives one of his best and most complex lead performances. He was excellent all around. Humphrey Bogart played a great antagonist, even if he had a smaller role than he usually does. Priscilla Lane, Gladys George, Jeffrey Lynn, Frank McHugh, Paul Kelly, Elisabeth Risdon, and Edward Keane all had great roles among an excellent supporting cast.
- DirectorFrank CapraStarsJames StewartJean ArthurClaude RainsA naive youth leader is appointed to fill a vacancy in the U.S. Senate. His idealistic plans promptly collide with corruption at home and subterfuge from his hero in Washington, but he tries to forge ahead despite attacks on his character.Fantastic comedy drama from Frank Capra that follows a patriotic, naive, and inexperienced man (Jefferson Smith) who lacks political savviness, and is appointed senator of Washington. He is unknowingly set-up to fail by corrupt and powerful businessman who feel he can be easily manipulated into doing what they want him to do, while the public falls in love with his squeaky clean character. Things don't go as planned for these higher powers after Smith learns of the corruption within the system, as he overwhelmingly fights for what is right with the intimidating cast of politicians on the senate floor. This is just about my favorite role from James Stewart yet. He delivered one of his very best lead performances. His hilarious and also extremely intense acting really adds nice layers of complexity. Jean Arthur, Claude Rains, Guy Kibbee, Edward Arnold, Thomas Mitchell, Eugene Pallette, Beulah Bondi, Harry Carey, Astrid Allwyn, and many others had excellent roles among the supporting cast.
- DirectorW.S. Van DykeStarsWilliam PowellMyrna LoyMaureen O'SullivanFormer detective Nick Charles and his wealthy wife Nora investigate a murder case, mostly for the fun of it.Brilliant crime comedy/mystery from W.S. Van Dyke, and the first in a long line of 6 'Thin Man' films. Excellent story that follows former detective Nick Charles, his wife Nora, and their dog Asta, on vacation in New York to visit old friends, when they learn of a murder investigation Nick's expertise could help with. Nora convinces Nick that it could be a lot of fun as they get wrapped up in the peculiar case. I've never seen William Powell in a film before this, and he was fantastic with his hilariously snappy dialogue, and humorous mannerisms. The same could be said for the beautiful Myrna Loy. They both shared superb chemistry. Maureen O'Sullivan, Nat Pendleton, Minna Gombell, Porter Hall, Henry Wadsworth, William Henry, Harold Huber, Natalie Moorhead, Cesar Romero, Edward Brophy, Edward Ellis, and Cyril Thornton all had great roles among an excellent supporting cast.
- DirectorEdmund GouldingStarsBette DavisGeorge BrentHumphrey BogartA young socialite is diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, and must decide whether or not she'll meet her final days with dignity.Fantastic drama from Edmund Goulding about a wealthy young socialite who is diagnosed with a brain tumor after a bout of painful headaches caused by double-vision. She decides to move forward with surgery, which seemingly solves all her problems—until her doctor reluctantly informs her that the tumor will return, and will end up killing her inside of 6 months. Being greeted with such horrifying and life-altering news, she must decide how to live out the rest of her life with the most grace and honor as possible. Bette Davis gave a breath-taking performance, and has become one of my favorite actresses with this film. She delivers one her best lead performances of all time. George Brent, Geraldine Fitzgerald, Humphrey Bogart, Henry Travers, Cora Witherspoon, Dorothy Peterson, and others had excellent supporting roles.
- DirectorFrank CapraStarsJean ArthurJames StewartLionel BarrymoreThe son of a snobbish Wall Street banker becomes engaged to a woman from a good-natured but decidedly eccentric family not realizing that his father is trying to force her family from their home for a real estate development.Fantastic comedy drama from Frank Capra surrounding a marriage engagement and the conflicts that arise between two vastly different families. Tony comes from a wealthy family who's father is a greedy Wall Street banker and business mogul, while Alice comes from a loving and eccentric bunch with deep-rooted family values. Tension hits hard between families with such philosophical differences, and things erupt when they all find out Tony's father is trying to force Alice's family out of their home, because he wants to buy the property to further his real estate venture. All the characters are so interesting and well developed. James Stewart and Jean Arthur were excellent together. Lionel Barrymore really steals the show along with Edward Arnold. Their interaction was superb throughout. Mischa Auer, Ann Miller, Spring Byington, Samuel S. Hinds, Donald Meek, Halliwell Hobbes, Dub Taylor, Mary Forbes, Lillian Yarbo, Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson, and others had excellent supporting roles.
- DirectorFritz LangStarsSylvia SidneySpencer TracyWalter AbelWhen a wrongly-accused prisoner barely survives a lynch-mob attack and is presumed dead, he vindictively decides to fake his death and frame the mob for his supposed murder.Excellent and thrilling crime drama/film-noir from Fritz Lang about a wrongly accused man that is presumed dead after a furious lynch-mob attempts to burn him alive in prison after believing he was a wanted kidnapper. After barely surviving, he takes vengeance on the 22 people who led the lynching by faking his death and framing the mob for his supposed murder. The story is gripping at every turn and really keeps you on the edge of your seat. Spencer Tracy delivered one of his best early lead performances, and it's my favorite role yet from the emotional and soft-spoken Sylvia Sidney. Walter Abel, Bruce Cabot, Edward Ellis, Walter Brennan, Frank Albertson, and George Walcott had nice roles among a great supporting cast.
- DirectorVictor FlemingKing VidorStarsJudy GarlandFrank MorganRay BolgerYoung Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto are swept away by a tornado from their Kansas farm to the magical Land of Oz, and embark on a quest with three new friends to see the Wizard, who can return her to her home and fulfill the others' wishes.Wonderful and magical family fantasy adventure from Victor Fleming and L. Frank Baum set in 1880s Kansas, and follows a young girl and her dog who are swept away by a tornado, and are mysteriously transported from their dismal black-and-white home life to the colorful and magical land of Oz. To get back home, they must follow the yellow brick road that leads to the Emerald City, where the great and powerful Wizard can send them home. Along the way, they meet a Scarecrow, a Tin Man, and a Cowardly Lion who join her on her quest, which leads to a confrontation with the Wicked Witch of the West, who wants revenge on Dorothy for killing her sister when her tornado-swept house fell on her. This has always been a childhood favorite for me, and it's easy to see why. The color picture and production value was jaw-dropping for 1939. Not to mention incredible casting, dialogue, and acting all around. Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, and Margaret Hamilton all deliver amazing performances, among many others.
- DirectorWilliam A. WellmanStarsJames CagneyJean HarlowEdward WoodsAn Irish-American street punk tries to make it big in the world of organized crime.Outstanding crime drama that paved the way for many film-noir classics to come. Excellent and realistic story set in the early 1900s Chicago, and follows two tough Irish-American gangsters who's troubled early years lands them in the world of organized crime. After leading a prosperous life as bootleggers, one of them starts taking out anyone who may cross them, which creates a rift between them and a competing bootlegger, which results in a war of power on the streets. James Cagney plays the perfect unapologetic, crude gangster in this film. It's one of his all-time best performances. Jean Harlow, Edward Woods, Robert Emmett O'Connor, Leslie Fenton, Donald Cook, Beryl Mercer, and Murray Kinnell all had great supporting roles.
- DirectorHoward HawksStarsKatharine HepburnCary GrantCharles RugglesWhile trying to secure a $1 million donation for his museum, a befuddled paleontologist is pursued by a flighty and often irritating heiress and her pet leopard, Baby.Hilarious "screwball" comedy from Howard Hawks. "Screwball" meaning there are no straight or "normal" characters in the script—only screwballs and wacky characters. Excellent story about a perplexed paleontologist who's engaged to be married, that's being chased by a beautiful, but irritating woman (and her tame pet leopard, Baby), as he tries to lockdown a large donation for his museum that she's able to help him with. Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant were fantastic with their quick-paced deliveries, witty mannerisms, and great physical comedy. May Robson, Charles Ruggles, Walter Catlett, Fritz Feld, and many others had great supporting roles. Every character was interesting and absolutely nutty.
- DirectorW.S. Van DykeStarsWilliam PowellMyrna LoyJames StewartPrivate detective Nick Charles and his wealthy wife Nora are back home at last and hoping for a quiet New Year when there is a murder. The obvious suspect is his wife, Nora's cousin, Selma.Excellent sequel and the second of six films in the classic 'Thin Man' saga. This time we follow Nick and Nora as they return home to San Francisco after their holiday in New York, when Nick's expertise is called upon in a missing persons case. While he prefers to enjoy a quiet holiday, he reluctantly agrees just before another murder occurs, which ends up involving Nora's cousin, Selma. William Powell and Myrna Loy are just as hilarious and irresistible as they were in the first film. They clearly have great chemistry together, and to appear to be having a lot of fun playing their roles. Lots of great humor, but also includes plenty of, drama and mystery. James Stewart, Elissa Landi, Joseph Calleia, Sam Levene, Penny Singleton, Jessie Ralph, and Alan Marshal all had very nice performances among the great supporting cast.
- DirectorFrank CapraStarsGary CooperJean ArthurGeorge BancroftA unassuming greeting card poet from a small town in Vermont heads to New York City upon inheriting a massive fortune and is immediately hounded by those who wish to take advantage of him.Wonderful comedy drama from Frank Capra that follows a naive, kind, honest, but sometimes hot-headed man; who leaves his small town life and moves to New York City when his rich uncle dies and leaves him $20 million. While everyone sees him as a small-town witless simpleton, everyone wants a piece of his fortune after they find out who he is. None of its a problem until determined news reporter Babe Bennett becomes involved with Deeds; which soon finds Mr. Deeds in court defending his sanity after claiming to give all his money away. Gary Cooper delivered arguably his best lead performance of all time. He played the comical and dramatic role perfectly. Jean Arthur also gave one of her finest performances. George Bancroft, Lionel Stander, Douglass Dumbrille, Raymond Walburn, and H.B. Warner all had great supporting roles.
- DirectorGregory La CavaStarsWilliam PowellCarole LombardAlice BradyA scatterbrained socialite hires a vagrant as a family butler - but there's more to Godfrey than meets the eye.Excellent comedy drama during the Great Depression in New York, and follows a homeless man who's hired by an excitable and upper-class socialite to be their family butler after a chance meeting on the street. While he initially seems like an aimless drifter, he ends up being a breath of fresh air to a dysfunctional family in need of some common sense. Great ending. William Powell steals the show with his superb acting and witty mannerisms. It's one of his finest lead performances. Carole Lombard also played her part perfectly as the dreamy Irene. Alice Brady, Gail Patrick, Eugene Pallette, Jean Dixon, Alan Mowbray, Mischa Auer, Pat Flaherty, and Robert Light also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorW.S. Van DykeStarsWilliam PowellMyrna LoyVirginia GreyAn explosives manufacturer suspects a young man is out to kill him. He calls in new parents Nick and Nora to sort things out.This is the 3rd installment of the 'Thin Man' comedy mystery film saga. And it's just as superb as the first 2 films. Great story which follows Nick, Nora, and their new arrived baby boy, Nicky Jr., visiting a Nora's old business partner who fears one of his former employees is trying to murder him; and he's looking for Nick's help in the investigation. After he's murdered, the suspected killer seems to be an obvious pick, but Nick finds the case is much more complicated. William Powell and Myrna Loy put on fantastic performances once again. And the entire cast is perfect with well-rounded and interesting characters as always. I absolutely loved the small hilarious part from Shemp Howard (of The Three Stooges). Virginia Grey, Otto Kruger, C. Aubrey Smith, Patric Knowles, and several others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorVictor FlemingStarsSpencer TracyFreddie BartholomewLionel BarrymoreA spoiled brat who falls overboard from a steamship in the 1920s gets picked up by a New England fishing boat, where he's made to earn his keep by joining the crew in their work.Superb nautical adventure from Victor Fleming set in the 1920s, and follows a spoiled and mischievous 15-year-old boy of a rich business mogul who falls overboard from a steamship, and gets picked up by a New England fishing boat full of working-class fisherman. He's soon informed that he must work if he wants to eat and stay on the boat as they discuss how he can be reunited with his family. Meanwhile, he connects with a man named Manuel, who takes him under his wing and teaches him the ways of life on a fishing boat. Their friendship grows strong as the boy learns respect and core values he was previously missing. Freddie Bartholomew is one of the finest child actors I've ever seen. He held the story together perfectly in every way. Spencer Tracy's Oscar-winning performance was also excellent. Lionel Barrymore also delivered a great role as Captain Disko. The supporting cast was excellent throughout.
- DirectorWilliam KeighleyStarsJames CagneyGeorge RaftJane BryanA corrupt D.A. (Thurston Hall) with political ambitions is angered by news stories implicating him in criminal activity and decides to frame the reporter (James Cagney) for manslaughter in order to silence him.Excellent crime drama/film-noir from William Keighley that follows a news reporter who's framed for murder after messing with the wrong corrupt District Attorney. He gets sent to prison for a stretch of 1-20 years for drunk driving and manslaughter even though he is innocent. Meanwhile, his newspaper works to prove his innocence as he becomes more and more angry and bitter with the situation he's fallen into. After befriending a gangster named Stacey in prison, he strikes up a deal to help with him to to prove his innocence if he helps him escape. James Cagney delivers one of his very best lead performances. George Raft also had a great lead role. George Bancroft, Jane Bryan, and Maxie Rosenbloom had very nice roles among a great supporting cast.
- DirectorFrank CapraStarsClark GableClaudette ColbertWalter ConnollyA rogue reporter trailing a runaway heiress for a big story joins her on a bus heading from Florida to New York and they end up stuck with each other when the bus leaves them behind at one of the stops along the way.Excellent romantic comedy from Frank Capra and Robert Riskin about a determined newspaper reporter named Peter who is following a rich young runaway heiress named Ellie on a bus traveling from Florida to New York, to land a big story after she left her husband shortly after marrying him. The two get stuck get stuck together after a series of traveling mishaps, and unexpected chemistry evolves between the two as they both try to keep their lives and feelings a secret from each other. Both Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert delivered excellent lead performances, and had great interaction together. Walter Connolly, Roscoe Karns, Charles C. Wilson and others had nice roles among a great supporting cast.
- DirectorVictor FlemingGeorge CukorSam WoodStarsClark GableVivien LeighThomas MitchellA sheltered and manipulative Southern belle and a roguish profiteer face off in a turbulent romance as the society around them crumbles with the end of slavery and is rebuilt during the Civil War and Reconstruction periods.Epic historical drama/romance from Victor Fleming based on Margaret Mitchell's classic novel which starts at the beginning of the American Civil War in 1861, and follows the shrewd daughter of a Georgia plantation owner. Being beautiful and extremely strong-willed, she doesn't fear the bloody history that's on its way, but longs to marry a man named Ashley who doesn't doesn't feel the same about her—and plans to marry his cousin instead. Unhappy with her choices the lie ahead, she ends up meeting a unique, sarcastic, and cynical man named Rhett Butler, and they engage in a complex romantic relationship that takes a roller-coaster ride of emotions through the Reconstruction periods after the war. At 4 hours in length, it's one of the longest movie I've ever seen. It is truly worthy of its time. The color picture is crystal clear and absolutely stunning for 1939. Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable both deliver fantastic lead performances. Leslie Howard, Olivia de Havilland, Hattie McDaniel, Thomas Mitchell, Barbara O'Neil, Evelyn Keyes, Ann Rutherford, George Reeves, Fred Crane, Butterfly McQueen, Oscar Polk, Ona Munson, and many others had excellent supporting roles.
- DirectorWilliam KeighleyStarsJames CagneyMargaret LindsayAnn DvorakJames Cagney helped jump-start the gangster genre as The Public Enemy. Outcries against movies that glorified underworld criminals put Cagney on the side of the law in 'G' Men.James Cagney plays just about my favorite classic gangster of all time, and it was great to see him on the other side of the law in this excellent crime drama/film-noir from William Keighley. The story follows a skilled New York City named Brick Davis who decides to join the F.B.I. and become a G-Man after his friend (also a G-Man) is killed by gangsters. When they go on a bank robbing spree, Davis is assigned to investigate the gang and take them down. James Cagney may be on the other side of the action this time around, but he still delivers one of his finest lead performances. Margaret Lindsay, Ann Dvorak, and Robert Armstrong, Barton MacLane, Lloyd Nolan, William Harrigan, Addison Richards, Russell Hopton, Edward Pawley, and Noel Madison all has great supporting roles.
- DirectorJack ConwayStarsJean HarlowWilliam PowellMyrna LoyWhen a socialite sues a big paper for libel, the editor responsible calls in the help of his ignored fiancée and a former employee to frame her and make the false story seem true.Hilarious comedy that follows the daughter of wealthy financier, who sues the New York Evening Star after falsely claiming she is a home-wrecker, and hits them with a $5 million dollar lawsuit. The chief editor gets a former employee and determined reporter who he feels can fix the situation by collecting false evidence to make it look like the wealthy socialite is with a married man. Jean Harlow, William Powell, Myrna Loy, and Spencer Tracy all delivered excellent lead performances. You can tell they had as much fun making the movie as it was to watch. They all had great chemistry; especially Powell and Loy, who are always great together. Walter Connolly, Charley Grapewin, Otto Yamaoka, and many others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorCharles ChaplinStarsCharles ChaplinPaulette GoddardHenry BergmanThe Tramp struggles to live in modern industrial society with the help of a young homeless woman.Hilarious silent comedy drama written, directed, produced, and starring Charles Chaplin that follows a tramp/drifter that struggles to conform to modern society and production, and is helped along by a young homeless woman as they figure out the world together. This was my first Charles Chaplin film, and I was amazed. Not only the lead star, writer, director, but also musical composer. His energy and acrobatics are amazing, among his other great dramatic and comedy acting skills. Paulette Goddard was also excellent. They both shared some nice chemistry together, and the story brings the whole historical concept of Chaplin's work together as well. Great supporting cast all around.
- DirectorAlfred HitchcockStarsMargaret LockwoodMichael RedgravePaul LukasWhile travelling in continental Europe, a rich young playgirl realizes that an elderly lady seems to have disappeared from the train.Fantastic British-era mystery/thriller from Alfred Hitchcock that follows a rich young woman who's traveling by train in continental Europe, and realizes an old English woman she had earlier befriended has mysteriously disappeared. Everyone who had previously come in contact with the woman claims they never met or seen such a person, and try to convince her that it's all in her mind, except for one kind gentleman by the name of Gilbert; who helps search for the woman.After some clues reveal the woman is actually missing, they find there's a conspiracy to investigate. Great mystery with lots of twists and turns throughout, and a great ending. Margaret Lockwood and Michael Redgrave both deliver excellent lead performances. Paul Lukas, May Whitty, and Cecil Parker all had very nice roles among a great supporting cast.
- DirectorFrank CapraAllan DwanRoy William NeillStarsWalter HustonPat O'BrienKay JohnsonSocially-conscious banker Thomas Dickson faces a crisis when his protégé is wrongly accused for robbing the bank, gossip of the robbery starts a bank run, and evidence suggests Dickson's wife had an affair...all during the same day.Excellent drama/thriller from Frank Capra and Robert Riskin set in the 1930s during the Great Depression, and follows an idealistic businessman named Tom Dickson who's been the president of Union National Bank for 25 years. He's very loyal to his customers, and gives loans based on trust and honesty rather than sticking to statistics and the wavering market of the Depression. Everything comes crashing down in a single day as bank's Board of Directors pressures Tom to give up his control in the bank, his wife is expected of cheating on him, $100,000 is stolen from the bank that evening, and the rumors stemmed from the stolen money generates a panic-stricken run on the bank, resulting in everyone rushing to withdraw their funds. The story and dialogue was fantastic throughout. While they ended the story a bit too conveniently, it still holds together and is very impactful today. Walter Huston delivered a fantastic lead performance. Pat O'Brien also had a great starring role. Kay Johnson, Constance Cummings, Gavin Gordon, Arthur Hoyt, Robert Emmett O'Connor, and several others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorAlfred HitchcockStarsRobert DonatMadeleine CarrollLucie MannheimA man in London tries to help a counter-espionage agent, but when the agent is killed and the man stands accused, he must go on the run to save himself and stop a spy ring that is trying to steal top-secret information.Superb mystery/thriller and arguably Alfred Hitchcock's best early British film. Great story that follows a Canadian man in 1930s London who helps a woman running away from secret agents. After the woman is killed, he stands accused of the murder, and goes on the run to investigate the mystery behind these secret agents, and to prove his innocence. One thing I love about Hitchcock's British-era is the injection of witty humor that gives an otherwise "wrong man" dramatic thriller a nice twist. Robert Donat projected a lot of that fun humor, and delivered one of Hitchock's finest characters. Madeleine Carroll, Lucie Mannheim, Peggy Ashcroft, John Laurie, Wylie Watson, and Godfrey Tearle had nice roles among a great supporting cast.
- DirectorMichael CurtizStarsEdward G. RobinsonBette DavisHumphrey BogartFight promoter Nick Donati grooms a bellhop as a future champ, but has second thoughts when the 'kid' falls for his sister.Excellent crime/sports drama from Michael Curtiz that follows a boxing promoter (Nick) who tailors an unknown and inexperienced bellhop to become the heavyweight champion of the world. He bills him as "Kid Galahad" and has a chance to go all the way as he keeps winning fights. However, trouble enters their partnership when Kid falls in love with Nick's sister, and Nick turns against his protégé. Edward G. Robinson delivers one of his finest lead performances. Bette Davis was also excellent as Nick's mistress, Fluff. They share some great witty chemistry throughout. Humphrey Bogart had a smaller role, but he was also nice. Wayne Morris was very good as Kid Galahad, and Jane Bryan also had a nice performance among a solid supporting cast.
- DirectorGeorge MarshallStarsMarlene DietrichJames StewartMischa AuerDeputy sheriff Destry tames the town of Bottle Neck, including saloon singer Frenchy.Hilarious comedy western with a bit of drama thrown in. When the sheriff of the small town of Bottleneck is killed, powerful saloon owner Kent and the corrupt mayor appoint the town drunk as the new sheriff so they can control his actions. However, the new sheriff has a friend who's kin to the famous lawman, Tom Destry. So he asks Tom Destry Jr. to be his deputy and clean up the corruption in the out-of-control town. Great comedy and excellent action-packed bar fight sequences. James Stewart delivered one his best lead performances. Marlene Dietrich's fast-paced role as Frenchy was just as fantastic and also one her best. Brian Donlevy, Una Merkel, Charles Winninger, Jack Carson, Mischa Auer, Billy Gilbert, Allen Jenkins, Warren Hymer, Irene Hervey, Samuel S. Hinds, and others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorArchie MayoStarsLeslie HowardHumphrey BogartBette DavisA waitress, a hobo and a bank robber get mixed up at a lonely diner in the desert.Excellent crime drama/thriller about a waitress (Gabrielle) and an aimless drifter (Alan) at an lonely diner in the town of Black Mesa, Arizona, at the edge of the Petrified Forest, who become hostages after a bank robber (Duke) and his men lock the place down. They try to keep everyone calm while they wait for Duke's girlfriend, while Alan has a philosophical debate with Duke about crime and life, as well as unique intentions after Gabrielle falls in love with him. Leslie Howard and Bette Davis both deliver excellent lead performances and share great chemistry throughout. This is also known as being Humphrey Bogart's breakthrough performance. He delivered his best and most varied role to date as the sinister Duke Mantee. Genevieve Tobin, Dick Foran, Charley Grapewin, Joe Sawyer, and Porter Hall also head great roles among the supporting cast.
- DirectorWilliam WylerStarsSylvia SidneyJoel McCreaHumphrey BogartThe lives of a young man, a young woman, an notorious gangster, and a group of street kids converge one day in a volatile New York City slum.Great crime drama/film-noir from William Wyler set in an east side New York City neighborhood where rich folks in fancy apartments live in the same slums as the poor folks. The story is centered around a group of poor young boys called "The Dead End Kids", the sister that heads up the gang, an unemployed architect named Dave, and infamous gangster 'Baby Face' Martin who just got back into town. The film takes place over one violent and drama filled day and greatly affects all the characters involved. Great story and acting throughout. Sylvia Sidney, Joel McCrea, Humphrey Bogart, Billy Halop, Huntz Hall, Bobby Jordan, Leo Gorcey, Gabriel Dell, and Bernard Punsly all delivered great lead performances. Wendy Barrie, Claire Trevor, Allen Jenkins, and Ward Bond also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorFritz LangStarsPeter LorreEllen WidmannInge LandgutWhen the police in a German city are unable to catch a child-murderer, other criminals join in the manhunt.Excellent crime mystery/thriller from Fritz Lang set in early 1930's Berlin, and follows a wave of child abductions and murders committed by a deranged killer. With 8 children murdered in the last year, the police and those who run organized from in the city join the manhunt to track the killer down. Thrillingly cut and filmed with great suspense. It was great to see Peter Lorre giving such a strong lead performance when I'm more used to seeing him playing excellent supporting roles. Gustaf Gründgens, Friedrich Gnaß, Otto Wernicke, Fritz Odemar, Theodor Loos, Paul Kemp, Inge Landgut, and Rosa Valetti all had great roles among a solid supporting cast.
- DirectorJames WhaleStarsClaude RainsGloria StuartWilliam HarriganA scientist finds a way of becoming invisible, but in doing so, he becomes murderously insane.Excellent sci-fi horror/thriller from James Whale and H.G. Wells that follows a power-hungry scientist named Dr. Jack Griffin who meddled in things men should leave alone. He wants to achieve a feat of science that no other man has ever achieved, and subsequently devises a mixture of chemicals that renders him completely invisible. However, he doesn't know that a chemical in the mixture will drive him mad, and will soon lead to death. In a last-ditch effort to reverse the effects and become normal again, his identity is exposed, which sets him in a maniacal state and finds him murdering several people and causing major havoc around the city. After the police learn what they are dealing with, they assemble plans and thousands of men in an attempt to take him down. Classic horror flick, and some very nice cinematography and camera work for 1933. The visual effects still hold up nicely today. Claude Rains delivers a superb lead performance. William Harrigan, Una O'Connor, Gloria Stuart, Henry Travers, Forrester Harvey, E.E. Clive, Dudley Digges, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorGeorge CukorStarsNorma ShearerJoan CrawfordRosalind RussellA study of the lives and romantic entanglements of various interconnected women.Excellent female-dominated comedy drama from George Cukor and based on Clare Boothe Luce's original play, about the lives of associated women and the moves they make in their friendships and romantic relationships. Being a male, I found many of the situations and battles to be fascinating and extremely well done. Even if it's a film entirely about women, everyone will/should enjoy it. The 100% female cast (including the animals in the film) was fantastic throughout. Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford, and Rosalind Russell all had great and complex lead roles. Paulette Goddard, Joan Fontaine, Lucile Watson, Mary Boland, Lucile Watson, Phyllis Povah, Virginia Weidler, Virginia Grey, Muriel Hutchison, Florence Nash, and many others had excellent supporting roles.
- DirectorLloyd BaconMichael CurtizStarsBette DavisHumphrey BogartLola LaneA crusading district attorney persuades a clip joint hostess to testify against her mobster boss after her innocent sister is accidentally murdered during one of his unsavory parties.Excellent film-noir crime drama from Lloyd Bacon set in 1930s New York, and follows a group of women who work as hostesses at a high end night club named Club Intimate (referred to as a "clip joint") . Their job is to entertain lonely men who come into the club alone, and convince them to spend as much money as possible. The club is owned by an infamous and ruthless crime boss named Johnny Vanning, who won't hesitate to kill any member of his staff who doesn't comply with his rules. The story mainly follows a hostess named Mary, who becomes entangled in Johnny's web of violence after her younger, naive, and unsuspecting sister becomes dangerously involved in Johnny's world. With the fear of being murdered for their knowledge of inside information, it's going to take Mary, the help of the other girls, and more to take Johnny down. Great story all around with some great thrills and dialogue. Bette Davis delivers an excellent lead performance, and Humphrey Bogart also had a great starring role as District Attorney David Graham. Lola Lane, Isabel Jewell, Mayo Methot, Jane Bryan, Rosalind Marquis, Eduardo Ciannelli, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorNorman TaurogStarsSpencer TracyMickey RooneyHenry HullWhen a death row prisoner tells him he wouldn't have led a life of crime if only he had had one friend as a child, Father Edward Flanagan decides to start a home for young boys.Great family-driven biopic set in 1921 Omaha, and follows Catholic priest Father Edward Flanagan; who started a home for young and underprivileged boys after hearing the final thoughts from a death row prisoner, saying he wouldn't have led a life of crime if he only had one friend as child. His moves were very controversial among the public. Much of the film is Father Edward dealing with one particular problem child named Whitey Marsh; who he refuses to give up on no matter how the other boys are influenced by him. Spencer Tracy delivered an excellent lead performance, and all the kids play their parts great; especially Mickey Rooney as Whitey. Henry Hull also had an excellent role.
- DirectorWilliam KeighleyStarsEdward G. RobinsonJoan BlondellBarton MacLaneWhen a crusader against rackets is murdered, a grand jury battles the rackets by promoting McLaren to be in charge of the cleanup. He fires NYPD Detective Blake, who punches him and joins the racket.Great crime drama/film-noir that follows a former police detective being recruited to clean up the crime racket after a crusader against crime is murdered. The detective goes undercover to infiltrate the gang and stay one step ahead of their moves with the help of his unsuspecting girlfriend who runs a numbers racket. Edward G. Robinson delivered his role to perfection as usual. It's an earlier role for Humphrey Bogart, but it's one of his better early roles. He has a good amount of nice screen time compared to other films in the era. Barton MacLane, Joan Blondell, Joe King, Frank McHugh, Henry O'Neill, Henry Kolker, Louise Beavers, and Norman Willis all had great supporting roles.
- DirectorRoy Del RuthStarsEdward G. RobinsonMary AstorHelen VinsonWhen Prohibition ends, a beer baron sees the writing on the wall, quits the rackets, and tries to break into California society.Hilarious crime comedy about an ambitious gangster who tries to break into high society after prohibition ends. So he decides to break into a wealthy and sophisticated culture in California. After some bad decisions and investments, he gets caught up trying to allure a beautiful socialite with a con man for a father. Great ending sequence. Edward G. Robinson puts on another great multi-faceted performance of comedy, drama, and angst. A great early role for him. Russell Hopton, Mary Astor, Helen Vinson, Shirley Grey, Berton Churchill, and others had great roles among a solid supporting cast.
- DirectorAnatole LitvakStarsEdward G. RobinsonHumphrey BogartClaire TrevorA brilliant Park Avenue doctor becomes a criminal in order to do research into the criminal mind.Hilarious satirical gangster flick about a brilliant doctor who forms an obsession studying the mind of criminals. To think like a criminal, he must act like a criminal. So he decides to go out and commit a robbery, when he finds a group of criminals trying to steal the same thing he's there for. He ends up hooking up with the gang to study and observe them during robberies, but head gangster 'Rocks' Valentine wants him out of the way and double-crosses him on a job; which then finds him on trial to prove he was there purely for scientific purposes. Ridiculous and funny ending. Edward G. Robinson delivers an excellent lead performance once again, and it was even a nice early role for Humphrey Bogart. Claire Trevor, Allen Jenkins, Donald Crisp, and Gale Page all has very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorAlfred E. GreenStarsEdward G. RobinsonJames CagneyEvalyn KnappA Greek barber has uncommon skills in playing poker and soon rises in the seedy world of illegal gambling, but pretty blondes remain his Achilles' heel.Great crime drama about a gifted poker player named Nick 'The Barber' Venizelos who delves into the cut-throat world of illegal gambling. A conman named Sleepy Sam ends up exploiting his weakness for beautiful blondes, cheats him out of his money, and has his thugs send him to the hospital after a brutal beating. Once he gets batter, Nick plans his revenge with the help of his partner, Jack. Excellent early day lead role for Edward G. Robinson. James Cagney is also billed as one of the leads, but his part was actually quite small (but executed nicely). Ralf Harolde, Evalyn Knapp, Noel Francis, Maurice Black, and Polly Walters all had great roles among the supporting cast.
- DirectorWilliam WylerStarsBette DavisHenry FondaGeorge BrentIn 1850s Louisiana, a free-spirited Southern belle loses her fiancé due to her stubborn vanity and pride, and vows to win him back.This excellent drama/romance from William Wyler kicked off a series of iconic roles for Bette Davis. The story is set in 1850s Louisiana, and follows a gorgeous, stubborn, and spoiled southern woman who loses her fiancé due to her careless and uncaring behavior. She is later regretful and determined to win him back at any cost. But it may possibly be too late. Bette Davis definitely deserved her Oscar for complex lead performance. Fay Bainter was also excellent (winning an Oscar as well). Henry Fonda delivered a very nice performance, even if it wasn't one of his very best. George Brent, Margaret Lindsay, Donald Crisp, Henry O'Neill, and others had very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorMervyn LeRoyStarsEdward G. RobinsonDouglas Fairbanks Jr.Glenda FarrellA small-time criminal moves to a big city to seek bigger fortune.Excellent early gangster crime drama from Mervyn LeRoy that follows a small-time gangster who moves to the big city to make it big. After teaming up with Sam Vettori's mob, greed takes over as he goes his own way and tries to corner out their take in organized crime. Edward G. Robinson delivered an excellent lead performance as the crude unapologetic Rico. Being an early gangster flick, it's not quite as great as many films of the same genre to come, but it was still very entertaining throughout. Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Glenda Farrell, and William Collier Jr. all have nice supporting roles.
- DirectorJohn FordStarsJohn WayneClaire TrevorAndy DevineA group of people traveling on a stagecoach find their journey complicated by the threat of Geronimo and learn something about each other in the process.Very nice western from John Ford set in 1880 and follows a stagecoach of passengers that include a legendary outlaw named the Ringo Kid, two women, and drunk doctor, a bank manager, among others. Troubles comes into play when Geronimo of the Apache nation and his tribe try to stop them as they work to reach common ground. One of the earliest films John Wayne starred in, and also an early film for director John Ford. For that reason, It think both Wayne and Ford would go on to make much better films in the future. I can appreciate it for what it is, but it's pretty low-budget and the acting and story isn't the strongest I've seen from this genre, despite having a star-studded cast. John Wayne, Claire Trevor, Andy Devine, John Carradine, Thomas Mitchell, Louise Platt, George Bancroft, Donald Meek, and Berton Churchill all delivered very nice performances.
- DirectorAlfred HitchcockStarsSylvia SidneyOscar HomolkaDesmond TesterA Scotland Yard undercover detective is on the trail of a saboteur who is part of a plot to set off a bomb in London. But when the detective's cover is blown, the plot begins to unravel.Very nice early crime drama from Alfred Hitchcock that follows a police detective investigating a saboteur who's plotting to set off a bomb; and the plans go terribly wrong when the man learn he's being followed. I really enjoyed the story throughout, and it had a great ending. However, Oskar Homolka just didn't strike me as a great lead actor in this film, as he didn't seem to align with any of the other characters. That said, Sylvia Sidney delivered an excellent lead performance, as did Desmond Tester as Stevie. John Loder, Matthew Boulton, and William Dewhurst also had nice supporting roles.
- DirectorLloyd BaconStarsJames CagneyHumphrey BogartRosemary LaneDuring the Oklahoma Land Rush, the lawlessness is exacerbated by the McCord gang's feud with the Kincaids, who are trying to bring law and justice to the region.Solid western set in 1893 when the government forced the Native Americans out of their Oklahoma land, and locals staked their claims to build a new town and society. It also follows a feud between the honest Kincaid family and the ruthless gang ran by Whip McCord, who wants to control the entire Cherokee Strip. Fans of James Cagney and Humphrey Bogart will be pleased with some nice lead performances by both. The story is formulaic, but also entertaining throughout. Donald Crisp, Rosemary Lane, Ward Bond, and others had nice supporting roles.