711 Ocean Drive
A telephone repairman in Los Angeles uses his knowledge of electronics to help a bookie set up a betting operation. After the bookie is murdered, the greedy technician takes over his business. He ruthlessly climbs his way to the top of the local crime syndicate, but then gangsters from a big East Coast mob show up wanting a piece of his action.
Insights
Plot Summary
A ambitious small-time radio equipment salesman, Hank McCaine, gets involved with a powerful and ruthless crime syndicate through his desire for success. He becomes entangled with the mob's operation, running their illegal gambling operations across the country and rising through their ranks. However, his involvement puts him in direct conflict with the law and the syndicate's internal politics, leading to a dangerous spiral.
Critical Reception
711 Ocean Drive was generally well-received by critics upon its release, praised for its taut direction, exciting pace, and O'Brien's compelling performance as a man drawn into a dangerous world. It's often cited as a solid example of the crime thriller genre of its era, though some found the plot predictable.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its fast-paced, gritty portrayal of organized crime.
- Edmond O'Brien delivers a strong performance as a morally compromised protagonist.
- A classic example of a post-war crime thriller with noir elements.
Google audience: Audience reception information from Google is not readily available for this classic film.
Fun Fact
The film was one of the last directed by Mark Hellinger, who died of a heart attack shortly after its completion.
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