Movie spotlight
Breaking Even
Vaudeville comic Tom Howard meets a man about to shoot himself and takes him into his store to try and talk him out of it. But Tom may prove to be crazier than the guy he's trying to help.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young man is framed for a crime he didn't commit and must prove his innocence. He navigates a dangerous underworld, encountering crooked cops and desperate criminals. His struggle for justice leads him through a series of challenging trials and narrow escapes.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, 'Breaking Even' received a mixed reception from critics, who often noted its formulaic plot but acknowledged its serviceable direction and performances. Audiences at the time likely found it to be a standard, albeit somewhat gritty, crime drama of the era.
What Reviewers Say
Praise for the film's fast pacing and underworld atmosphere.
Criticism for a predictable narrative structure.
Mixed opinions on the performances, with some finding them adequate for the genre.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for 'Breaking Even' from 1932 is not readily available in modern databases. Typically, films of this era were judged on their entertainment value and adherence to prevailing cinematic trends.
Fun Fact
This film was one of the earlier crime dramas produced during the Pre-Code era of Hollywood, a period known for its more lenient censorship standards which allowed for darker themes and more suggestive content than would be seen in later decades.
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