Search

Hoodlum Empire

1952, Movie, NR, 98 mins

Hoodlum Empire: Review

starstarstarstar
This rather plodding crime melodrama, inspired by the Kefauver investigations into organized crime in 1950-51, features Donlevy as a crusading senator (a la Senator Estes Kefauver) out to destroy Adler's criminal empire. The flabby story begins with Russell, a onetime mobster who has gone off to war, has performed heroically, and has undergone a moralistic transformation, refusing to have anything to do with his former associates upon his return. He seeks anonymity by opening a gas station, but mobsters find Russell, then use his name in a vast money-laundering scheme that brings him to the attention of Donlevy and law enforcement officers. Russell fights back with the help of his Army friends, and a full-scale battle ensues with several deaths recorded. Donlevy, meanwhile, outlines the evil doings of Adler's mob, later exposing and ruining the crime czar. Russell survives to pump more gas. The story is pedestrian and the acting only occasionally above par. George Raft was originally offered the role played by Adler, one which was based upon Raft's onetime underworld friend and syndicate leader Frank Costello. Raft declined. Adler aptly portrays the Costello-like character as a shifty, insidious, and wholly reprehensible criminal. Ralston, wife of Republic boss Herbert J. Yates, has a forgettable supporting role, though her nepotistic stardom was in rapid decline by the release of this film. leave a comment
Advertisement

Advertisement

Related Websites

You might be also interested in the following websites:

Most Popular TV Shows

  1. Dancing with the Stars
  2. The Game
  3. NCIS
  4. American Idol
  5. Wife Swap
more popular tv shows

Most Popular Celebrities

  1. Oprah Winfrey
  2. Carrie Prejean
  3. Mike Tyson
  4. Carrie Underwood
  5. Lou Dobbs
more popular celebrities

Most Popular Movies

  1. A Christmas Carol
  2. This Is It
  3. Men Who Stare At Goats
  4. The Fourth Kind
  5. Paranormal Activity
more popular movies

Top Videos

  1. South Park
  2. Saturday Night Live
  3. NCIS
  4. Desperate Housewives
  5. Jodie Sweetin
more top videos