

Sergeant Madden
A dedicated police officer is torn between family and duty when his son turns to a life of crime.
Insights
Plot Summary
Sergeant Madden is a decorated police officer in New York City who struggles to balance his demanding career with his complicated family life. He grapples with issues stemming from his son's involvement in crime and his daughter's desire for a different path. The film explores the personal sacrifices and moral dilemmas faced by those in law enforcement.
Critical Reception
Sergeant Madden received mixed reviews upon its release. While Wallace Beery's performance was generally praised for its gravitas, the film's narrative was often criticized for being melodramatic and predictable. It failed to make a significant impact critically or commercially.
What Reviewers Say
- Wallace Beery delivers a solid performance as the titular sergeant.
- The film suffers from a predictable and overly sentimental plot.
- Josef von Sternberg's direction is competent but lacks inspiration for this material.
Google audience: Audience reception for Sergeant Madden is largely unavailable due to its age and limited distribution.
Fun Fact
This was one of Wallace Beery's final films for MGM, a studio he had been with for many years, and it marked a departure from his usual 'tough guy' or comedic roles.
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