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Bullets Or Ballots

1936, Movie, NR, 68 mins

Bullets Or Ballots: Review

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Edward G. Robinson is a tough Broadway cop in charge of a strong-arm squad feared by NYC racketeers. A headstrong maverick, he slugs the police commissioner, Joseph King, and is kicked off the force. The widely publicized event interests crime boss Barton MacLane, who then hires the ex-cop to show him how to beat the law. King visits Robinson in the cell in which he is held after he punches a cop who sneers at his betrayal of the force, and it is at this point that the viewer realizes Robinson's wild conduct has all been an act. In the meantime, MacLane is killed by henchman Humphrey Bogart. Robinson assumes leadership of the gang, taking over the lucrative numbers racket to prove to syndicate higherups that he can produce millions for their coffers. He is wounded in a gun battle with Bogart, who has learned his true purpose, and, in turn, Bogart is killed by Robinson. Joan Blondell finds boyfriend Robinson walking down the street toward the secret sanctum of the syndicate leaders and, without knowing he is dying, drives him to his destination. Robinson enters the bastion of the wealthy crime cartel directors, followed by a horde of police he has arranged to have raid the headquarters. As the bigshots are arrested, Robinson collapses and dies in King's arms, a policeman to the last. This tough, though melodramatic, crime vehicle allowed Robinson to display his flamboyant acting style while touching upon a conspiracy the public only suspected at the time, the existence of a national crime syndicate. The film is enhanced by William Keighley's swift direction and a "March of Time" opening showing the far-reaching power of the 1930s mobsters. leave a comment
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