Bullets or Ballots
WHO Rules The Rackets ? This picture puts the finger on the political higher-ups!
CrimeDramacorruptionpoliceundercoverfilm in filmmurdershootoutinfiltrationpolice detectiveracketeerracketeeringnumbers gamebanking executives
A taut 1930s crime thriller built on undercover deception and institutional corruption, where trust is weaponized and danger lurks in every transaction.
After Police Captain Dan McLaren becomes police commissioner, former detective Johnny Blake publicly punches him, convincing rackets boss Al Kruger that Blake is sincere in his effort to join the mob. "Bugs" Fenner, meanwhile, is certain that Blake is a police agent.
Essence
Ensemble
Edward G. Robinson
Johnny Blake
Joan Blondell
Lee Morgan
Barton MacLane
Al Kruger
Humphrey Bogart
Bugs Fenner
Frank McHugh
Herman
Joe King
Dan 'Mac' McLaren
Dick Purcell
Ed Driscoll
George E. Stone
Wires Kagel
Joseph Crehan
Grand Jury Spokesman
Henry O'Neill
Ward Bryant
Henry Kolker
Mr. Hollister
Gilbert Emery
Mr. Thorndyke
Closest match
Nearest across the full emotional profile.
Same mood
Nearest on what's most distinctive about this one.
Go darker
Similar, pushed toward heavier and more intense.
Something gentler
Similar, pushed toward warmer and easier.
Hidden gem
Same territory, far fewer people have seen it.
