Big City
Big City

Movie spotlight

Big City

1937
Movie
80 min
English

Anna and Joe are newly married, playful and deeply in love. Joe is scraping by as cab driver in New York City during a period of corruption, mob control and violence between cab companies.

Insights

IMDb6.6/10
Director: Frank BorzageGenres: Crime, Drama, Film-Noir

Plot Summary

A young woman, Anna Benton, arrives in New York City seeking a better life and finds work as a taxi driver. She becomes embroiled in a complex web of crime and corruption when she witnesses a murder. As she navigates the dangerous underworld, she forms an unlikely bond with a seasoned detective who tries to protect her from the criminals and clear her name.

Critical Reception

Big City received a mixed to positive reception upon its release. While praised for its atmospheric direction by Frank Borzage and strong performances, particularly from Luise Rainer, some critics found the plot to be somewhat convoluted. Audiences generally appreciated the film's gritty portrayal of urban life and its suspenseful narrative.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its atmospheric direction and moody cinematography.

  • Luise Rainer delivers a compelling performance as a woman caught in dangerous circumstances.

  • The film's crime narrative is engaging but occasionally struggles with pacing and clarity.

Google audience: Audience reviews for Big City are scarce due to its age, but those available often highlight the film's strong sense of atmosphere and the compelling lead performance. Some viewers found the plot a bit dated or hard to follow, while others appreciated its classic crime drama elements.

Fun Fact

Luise Rainer, who plays the taxi driver, actually learned to drive a taxi for her role in the film.

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