The Beast of the City
The Beast of the City

Movie spotlight

The Beast of the City

1932
Movie
86 min
English

Police Chief Jim Fitzpatrick is after gangster Sam Belmonte. He uses his police detective brother Ed to watch over Daisy who is associated with Belmonte but things don't go as planned.

Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Director: Charles BrabinGenres: Crime, Drama, Gangster

Plot Summary

In this gritty gangster drama, a determined district attorney sets out to clean up a city plagued by organized crime and corruption. Facing intense pressure from mob bosses and a compromised police force, he risks his career and personal life to bring down the notorious "Bugs" Donlin and his ruthless syndicate. The film portrays a desperate struggle for justice in a lawless urban landscape.

Critical Reception

The Beast of the City was a successful early gangster film that garnered attention for its intense portrayal of crime and corruption. While not as critically acclaimed as some later entries in the genre, it was recognized for its strong performances and taut direction, contributing to MGM's output of crime dramas during the pre-Code era.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its raw depiction of urban crime and corruption.

  • Walter Huston's performance as the driven district attorney is a highlight.

  • A significant example of early Hollywood's exploration of the gangster genre.

Google audience: Audience reception for this early film is not widely documented in a quantifiable way through modern platforms.

Fun Fact

The film is notable for its Pre-Code status, meaning it was released before the strict enforcement of the Hays Code, allowing for more explicit depictions of crime and violence than would be permitted later.

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