

Baby Face Harrington
Thanks to a series of comic mishaps, a timid, small-town office clerk finds himself wanted by the police and labeled by the media as "Public Enemy No. 2."
Insights
Plot Summary
A meek bacteriologist is drawn into the criminal underworld after his wife's extravagant spending forces him to take on a loan shark's dirty work. He soon finds himself entangled in a dangerous web of mobsters, double-crosses, and violence, struggling to maintain his innocence amidst the chaos. The film follows his desperate attempts to escape his predicament and protect his family from the consequences of his choices.
Critical Reception
Baby Face Harrington was a modest success upon its release, appreciated for its fast-paced narrative and Walsh's typically energetic direction. While not a landmark film, it was seen as an entertaining example of the gangster genre of the era, with particular praise for Una Merkel's performance. Audience reception was generally positive, enjoying the blend of crime and dark humor.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its brisk pacing and engaging gangster plot.
- Una Merkel's performance is often highlighted as a standout.
- The film successfully blends humor with the darker elements of the crime genre.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for this older film, but general sentiment often points to it being an enjoyable, if not groundbreaking, crime drama typical of its era. Viewers appreciated its straightforward narrative and entertaining performances.
Fun Fact
Director Raoul Walsh, known for his tough-guy persona, reportedly got into a bar fight with a gangster during the film's production which influenced some of the on-screen violence.
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