Thunderbolt

Serving as proof that Josef von Sternberg did make fine films before THE BLUE ANGEL, THUNDERBOLT is a bizarre gangster picture which is as much a romance as a thriller. Bancroft stars as the title character, a hard-edged bank robber with a dedicated following of underworld cronies. Like all good mobsters, Bancroft has a soft spot for a special girl, namely Wray. She, however, serves as a catalyst for trouble when she falls for a young banker, Arlen, and asks Bancroft's permission to go straight. Before long, Bancroft has fouled up and gone to prison where he sits on death row, Wray has devoted herself to Arlen, and Arlen has lost his job because of his association ...