One of the more underappreciated films to come out of Hollywood, this marvelous Ben Hecht production annoyed the critics of the day for not pandering to its audience. Four leads and a host of supporting players make a single Broadway night come to life with zip and wit. Mitchell, as a
silver-tongued, alcoholic playwright, saves Qualen, who is about to commit suicide after embezzling several thousand dollars. "Dismiss your hearse," Mitchell urges him. "Live, little man, and suffer!" The zany playwright proposes a surefire scheme to dupe some big-time card sharps in a battle
royal, using Qualen's stolen loot to build a fortune. Enter slick Fairbanks, who shills for a...
Released:
1940
Rated:
NR
Length:
78 mins