Hardboiled
Chorus girl Teena Johnson may be "hard-boiled," but she's no golddigger. Thus, when the father of her wealthy sweetheart Kyle Stannard tries to buy her off, Sally refuses the money. She sticks by Kyle even after he is disinherited and forced to go to work. The financial strain on the young couple's marriage eventually takes its toll, and before long they separate, with Sally returning to the chorus line to square her husband's debts.
Insights
Plot Summary
A tough, no-nonsense New York City detective finds himself entangled in a web of corruption and violence as he attempts to bring down a ruthless crime syndicate. He must navigate treacherous alliances and personal sacrifices to uphold justice in a city rife with lawlessness.
Critical Reception
While not a major critical darling upon its release, 'Hardboiled' is recognized today as an early example of the gritty urban crime dramas that would become popular in the 1930s. Its raw depiction of violence and its fast-paced narrative were noted, though some critics found its plot predictable.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its early depiction of tough-guy detective tropes.
- Noted for its gritty urban atmosphere and brisk pacing.
- Sometimes criticized for a formulaic plot.
Google audience: Audience reception information for this early film is not readily available.
Fun Fact
Although Frank Capra is more widely known for his later, more optimistic films, 'Hardboiled' showcases his early skill in directing taut, character-driven dramas.
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