Illegal
This is the story of a woman who kicks out her no-good second husband after he wastes all her money. Since gambling and drink had taken all her money, she decides to use the money from a windfall to open an illegal after hours night club and gambling parlor, in order to provide her two daughters with a high society education. Eventually she gets caught, and the daughters take over the night club and legitimize it. But the daughters have conflicts, and the no-good husband shows up to complicate matters.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young man, Gilbert, is driven to a life of crime by his ambition and greed. He becomes involved with racketeers and eventually murders a man who threatens to expose him. Gilbert's downfall is swift and tragic, as he is caught and faces the consequences of his actions.
Critical Reception
Illegal (1932) was a modest film that explored the dark side of ambition. While not a major critical success upon release, it's remembered for its early depiction of crime and its star, Ricardo Cortez. Its themes of greed and moral decay resonated with some audiences.
What Reviewers Say
- Notable for its pre-Code exploration of crime and its consequences.
- Ricardo Cortez delivers a compelling performance as the ambitious protagonist.
- The film offers a glimpse into the harsh realities of the criminal underworld.
Google audience: Audience reception for "Illegal" from 1932 is not readily available through modern platforms. However, contemporary reviews often highlighted its gritty subject matter and the performance of its lead.
Fun Fact
Despite being released in 1932, "Illegal" is considered a pre-Code film, meaning it was made before the strict enforcement of the Hays Code, which heavily influenced the content and themes of Hollywood films.
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