Wharf Angel
On the wharfs of San Francisco, saloon girl Toy, also known as Mary, lives over Mother Bright's bar. When Como Murphy, a fugitive from the law, hides in her room, she falls in love with him. He explains that after he spoke out about the rights of man to a crowd, a riot ensued, during which a policeman was killed. Como took the gun from the killer, but is thought to be guilty of the crime himself. Como, who reciprocates Mary's love, spends the night with her, but leaves to keep her out of danger. He joins the crew of a ship sailing to China after he is befriended by Turk, a big lumbering sailor who is also in love with Mary. Each man is unaware that they love the same woman.
Insights
Plot Summary
A tough and ruthless dock boss, 'Spike' O'Malley, has his sights set on controlling the San Francisco waterfront. He clashes with a rival boss and a young woman who gets caught in the middle. The story follows Spike's attempts to maintain his power through violence and manipulation, leading to a dramatic confrontation.
Critical Reception
Wharf Angel received mixed to negative reviews upon its release, with critics often pointing to its convoluted plot and the performances of its leads. While it aimed for gritty realism, it was often criticized for being overly melodramatic and failing to fully deliver on its potential.
What Reviewers Say
- The film suffers from a weak and often confusing narrative.
- Performances, particularly from the lead actors, were seen as over-the-top.
- Despite its attempts at depicting a tough underworld, the melodrama overshadowed any potential realism.
Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews for "Wharf Angel (1934)" is not readily available in public archives. General sentiment from the era suggests audiences were likely divided, with some appreciating the gangster elements and others finding the plot lacking.
Fun Fact
Wallace Beery and Victor McLaglen, both Oscar winners, were known for their tough-guy personas, and their on-screen rivalry in this film was a major selling point, though critics debated the effectiveness of their performances together.
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