Movie spotlight
In the Name of the Law
The story is about a drug ring and the finally successful efforts of the Paris police to break it up. A young detective goes into a den in Paris' Chinatown, following a clue, and that is the last seen of him until his body is found floating in the Seine several days later. The only clue is a woman's glove. The dead man's friends on the force vow to avenge him, and receive information leading them to suspect one Sandra, a beautiful foreigner, played by the stunning Marcelle Chantal.
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Plot Summary
A gritty crime drama that follows the desperate measures taken by a group of small-time gangsters to survive in the harsh urban landscape. When their leader is sent to prison, his ambitious lieutenant takes over, leading to increased violence and a struggle for control. The film depicts the brutal realities of gang warfare and the corrupting influence of power.
Critical Reception
Released in the pre-Code era, 'In the Name of the Law' was noted for its raw depiction of crime and violence, which pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable on screen at the time. It garnered attention for its unflinching portrayal of gang life.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its gritty realism and early portrayal of gangster life.
Criticized by some for its excessive violence, even for its time.
Recognized as a notable example of pre-Code crime cinema.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this film is not readily available.
Fun Fact
This film is considered a significant example of the gangster genre that flourished in the early 1930s, often exploring themes of crime, corruption, and social decay with a frankness that would later be curtailed by the Hays Code.
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