Bullets or Ballots
Bullets or Ballots

Movie spotlight

Bullets or Ballots

1936
Movie
82 min
English

After Police Captain Dan McLaren becomes police commissioner, former detective Johnny Blake publicly punches him, convincing rackets boss Al Kruger that Blake is sincere in his effort to join the mob. "Bugs" Fenner, meanwhile, is certain that Blake is a police agent.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes92%
Director: William A. WellmanGenres: Crime, Drama, Film-Noir

Plot Summary

A reformed gangster, "Bugs" Moran, goes straight and becomes a newspaper editor, aiming to clean up the city through his publication. However, he finds himself entangled once again with his former criminal associates and the police, who suspect him of being involved in the very crimes he's trying to expose. Moran must navigate a treacherous path between his new life and his dangerous past.

Critical Reception

Bullets or Ballots was a critical and commercial success upon its release, lauded for its gritty portrayal of organized crime and its compelling performances, particularly from Edward G. Robinson. It is considered one of the standout gangster films of the 1930s, praised for its tight pacing and realistic depiction of the era's underworld.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its authentic portrayal of gangster life and compelling narrative.

  • Edward G. Robinson delivers a powerful and nuanced performance.

  • The film effectively balances action with a thoughtful exploration of morality.

Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's suspenseful plot and strong acting, particularly Edward G. Robinson's charismatic portrayal of a complex character.

Fun Fact

Edward G. Robinson, famous for playing gangsters, actually had a background in journalism before becoming an actor, which may have informed his portrayal of newspaper editor Johnny "Bugs" Moran.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
talisencrw

talisencrw

I greatly enjoyed this humdinger that faces off Edward G. Robinson against Humphrey Bogart, with Joan Blondell doing an incredible job as the moll. Another fine Warner Brothers gangster film, with taut direction by William Keighley.