Racketeers in Exile
Racketeers in Exile

Movie spotlight

Racketeers in Exile

1937
Movie
60 min
English

In this gangster movie, a criminal king-pin and his gang hide out in his hometown where they witness a religious revival that inspires the man to begin billing himself as a "born-again" evangelist so he can cash in on the guilty consciences of local businessmen.

Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Director: Joseph M. NewmanGenres: Crime, Drama, Film-Noir

Plot Summary

A former gangster, attempting to go straight, finds himself entangled in a web of deceit and danger when he tries to protect an innocent woman from his old associates. He must confront his past and fight for his future in a world where trust is a luxury he can't afford. The film explores themes of redemption and the struggle against inescapable criminal elements.

Critical Reception

Racketeers in Exile received a mixed reception upon its release. While some critics appreciated its attempt at a gritty crime narrative and the performances of its cast, others found the plot predictable and the execution lacking. It is often regarded as a B-movie of its era, competently made but not particularly groundbreaking.

What Reviewers Say

  • The film offers a serviceable, if uninspired, crime drama with a familiar story.

  • Performances, particularly from Noah Beery Sr., are noted as a strong point.

  • Lacks the depth and originality to stand out among contemporary crime films.

Google audience: Audience reception data for this older film is not readily available through standard Google review aggregations.

Fun Fact

Director Joseph M. Newman began his career in the film industry as a sound editor before transitioning to directing, and this film was one of his earlier directorial efforts.

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