Manhattan Melodrama is a 1934 American pre-Code crime film directed by W. S. Van Dyke and starring Clark Gable, William Powell, and Myrna Loy. The film tells the story of two boyhood friends who grow up to be on opposite sides of the law. One becomes a district attorney, while the other becomes a notorious gangster, John Dillinger.
The Plot
The film begins with Blackie Gallagher and Jim Wade as young boys. They become best friends and, as they grow up, their paths diverge. Blackie becomes a gangster, while Jim becomes a district attorney. Despite their different lifestyles, they remain friends.Blackie is in love with Eleanor Packer, a wealthy socialite. She is also the object of Jim's affections. Eleanor chooses Jim over Blackie, and Blackie becomes jealous. He decides to rob a casino, but he is caught by the police and sentenced to death.While Blackie is on death row, Jim tries to save his friend. However, Blackie is executed, and Jim is left to deal with the aftermath. He becomes depressed and turns to alcohol.Meanwhile, John Dillinger, a notorious gangster, is on the run. He and his gang rob a bank, and Jim is assigned to the case. He tracks down Dillinger and his gang, and there is a shootout. Dillinger is killed, and Jim is hailed as a hero.
The Cast
The film stars Clark Gable as Blackie Gallagher, William Powell as Jim Wade, and Myrna Loy as Eleanor Packer. It also features Leo Carrillo as Father Joe, Mickey Rooney as Blackie as a boy, and Shirley Ross as Annabelle.
The Production
Manhattan Melodrama was directed by W. S. Van Dyke and produced by David O. Selznick. The film was shot in black and white and ran for 90 minutes. The screenplay was written by Oliver H.P. Garrett and Joseph L. Mankiewicz.
The Reception
The film was a critical and commercial success. It was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Powell was also nominated for Best Actor for his role as Jim Wade.
The Legacy
The film is notable for its portrayal of John Dillinger, who was a real-life gangster. Dillinger was killed by the FBI in 1934, around the same time the film was released.The film also features the song "The Bad in Every Man", which was written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart. The song was later covered by various artists, including Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald.
Conclusion
Manhattan Melodrama is a classic crime film that tells the story of two friends who end up on opposite sides of the law. The film features strong performances from its cast, and its portrayal of John Dillinger adds to its historical significance. The film remains a popular classic and is worth watching for fans of crime dramas.
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