

The Hoodlum Saint
A former reporter comes back home after serving in the army during World War I and finds that it's much more difficult to find work than he expected. Desperate, one day he crashes a wedding attended by many of the city's rich and powerful, meets a beautiful girl named Kay who turns out to be his ticket to meeting those rich and powerful people, and he soon manages to land a job on a newspaper. He gets caught up in the "make money at all costs" game but receives a rude awakening when the stock market crashes in 1929.
Insights
Plot Summary
A smooth-talking racketeer, Michael "Mike" Biff Grim is released from prison and attempts to go straight, encouraged by Father Michael. He finds himself caught between his old criminal associates and his desire for a legitimate life, complicated by a dame and a determined district attorney. Mike struggles to navigate the treacherous waters of his past and present, seeking redemption.
Critical Reception
The Hoodlum Saint received a mixed reception upon its release. While William Powell's performance was generally praised for its suave charm and effectiveness in a role that suited him well, the film's plot was often found to be predictable and somewhat formulaic for the era's gangster films. Audiences were divided, with some appreciating the crime drama elements and Powell's star power, while others found it lacking in originality.
What Reviewers Say
- William Powell delivers a characteristically smooth performance as a gangster trying to reform.
- The film offers a standard, if somewhat uninspired, crime drama narrative.
- The supporting cast, including Claire Trevor, adds solid performances to the proceedings.
Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews and summaries for 'The Hoodlum Saint' from 1946 is not readily available.
Fun Fact
This film marked the final collaboration between actor William Powell and producer Hal B. Wallis, who had previously worked together on the highly successful "The Thin Man" series.
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