The Calling of Dan Matthews
Dan Matthews (Richard Arlen), a young parson, is in love with Hope Strong (Charlotte Wynters), the daughter of James B. Strong ('FRederick Burton'), a man who controls the town with his real estate and business interests. Strong is an upstanding citizen who has fallen into the hands of a clever racketeer, Jeff Hardy (Douglass Dumbrille), who acts as Strong's manager of some innocent-appearing amusement places that are really secret dens of vice.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young man, Dan Matthews, returns to his small hometown after his father's death, inheriting a failing newspaper. He struggles to keep the paper afloat while dealing with local corruption and the affections of a young woman. Dan must decide whether to expose the town's secrets or maintain a fragile peace.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, 'The Calling of Dan Matthews' received limited critical attention, typical for many B-movies of the era. Reviews generally focused on its earnest but somewhat predictable melodrama, with some acknowledging the sincerity of its performances within the confines of its budget and script.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its earnest portrayal of small-town struggles.
- Noted for its somewhat formulaic plot progression.
- Performances were considered adequate for the genre.
Google audience: Audience reception data for this film is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The film was produced by the independent studio Monogram Pictures, known for its low-budget productions that often catered to a specific audience with straightforward narratives.
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