Manhattan Melodrama1934
Manhattan Melodrama (1934)
Manhattan Melodrama Photos
Movie Info
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Cast
as Blackie Gallagher
as Eleanor
as Jim Wade
as Father Pat
as Spud
as Blackie as a boy
as Poppa Rosen
as Anabelle
as May
as Jim as a boy
as Cotton Club Singer
as German Proprietor
as Chauffeur
as Assembly Speaker
as Announcer
as Trotsky Aide
as Miller in Prison
as Old German Man
as Blackjack Dealer
as Blackie's Attorney
as Panhandler
as Detective
as Drunk
as Stud
as Eleanor's Dance Partner
as Assistant District Attorney
as Warden
as Crap Dealer
as Snow
as Campaign Manager
as German Note Holder
as Boy in Prison
as Campaign Manager
as Miss Adams
as Policeman
as German Note Holder
as Chemin De Fer Dealer
as Reporter
as Heckler
as Black Man in Prison
as Campaign Manager
as Uncle Angus
as Inspector of Police
as Mannie Arnold
as Master of Ceremonies
as Black Boy in Speakeasy
as Coates
as Guard in Prison
as Piano Player
as Jewish Woman
as Judge
as Police Intern
as Yacht Skipper
as Band Leader
as Blind Beggar
as Spectator on Street
as Bailiff
Critic Reviews for Manhattan Melodrama
All Critics (14) | Top Critics (6) | Fresh (12) | Rotten (2)
Audiences will not fail to react emotionally to the intelligent writing of it... Each situation is milked dry, yet never overplayed.
Well directed by W. S. Van Dyke, superbly photographed by famed Chinese Cinematographer James Wong Howe, Manhattan Melodrama is first-rate cinema, chiefly important because it marks the elevation to stardom of Myrna Loy.
Apart from the Clark Gable-William Powell stellar duo and Myrna Loy, who does an excellent job as the principal femme, the Arthur Caesar story is replete with punchy popularly-appealing ingredients.
One finds a mechanical plot which is scarcely worthy of the cast, which includes Clark Gable, William Powell, Myrna Loy and Leo Carrillo.
This is an archetypal gangster movie of the period, a product of the moral backlash instigated by Hoover and the Hays Office.
This 1934 feature was the last movie John Dillinger saw before being gunned down outside the Biograph, and he might have had better luck on both counts.
Audience Reviews for Manhattan Melodrama
Manhattan Melodrama is famous for being the last movie that infamous bank robber John Dillinger saw before being gunned down outside the Biograph Theatre on July 22nd 1934. Obviously I was interested in seeing the film due to its history surrounding that legendary showing. This is a brilliant gangster film that is a defining classic of the genre. Brilliantly acted by Clark Gable, this is a must see for cinema buffs who enjoy classic films that helped defined the genre. Before there was The Godfather, there was this film. Clark Gable is impressive here and the story is quite good and highly engaging. This is also a must see for people that are fascinated with John Dillinger because I feel that in some way, this movie is part of his legacy. Nonetheless, the plot is engaging and like I said is a classic gangster picture that would pave the way for all to follow. I really enjoyed the film, and felt it was very different from other films in the genre. In that respect, it is a film that helped shape the crime genre. Manhattan Melodrama is filled with action, drama, a good cast and effective pacing to really make this stand out. I really enjoyed the film and thought it was an entertaining gangster film, definitely among the finest in the genre. There are of course better genre films, but Manhattan Melodrama is a worthwhile viewing experience that should definitely thrill the diehard cinema buff. W.s Van Dyke has crafted a memorable and historically significant picture that stands out even by today's standards.
Super Reviewer
"Manhattan Melodrama," which won an Oscar for Best Screenplay, is yet another 1930s gem that I've found lately. First was "Dancing Lady," then "Hell's Angels," and now "Manhattan Melodrama." The 1930s were a golden age of American cinema, and I've barely scratched the surface of it. How exciting it must have been in that era to work in the movies. Clark Gable (who was also in "Dancing Lady") and William Powell play men who've had a life-long bond. They were orphaned together on the same day in a terrible boating accident. One is studious and upstanding (Powell); the other (Gable) is a drop-out who got into bootlegging and gambling. When the studious one becomes Manhattan District Attorney, his close friendship with a gangster becomes a problem. When their lives begin to intersect more, including sharing a woman (played wonderfully by Myrna Loy), the complications multiply. It's a fascinating, pretty serious drama that I can't imagine would disappoint anyone. It's also briskly paced, brilliantly edited, and perfectly directed (by W.S. Van Dyke). Highly recommended. Incidental note: Gangster John Dillinger saw this movie the night he died. He was shot by FBI agents as he exited the theater. I can certainly see why he would have been attracted to this movie. It's a complex portrait of a boy born on the wrong side of the tracks.
Super Reviewer
I'm not sure why this film is talked about so much, it isn't very different from other gangster movies of the time. There are some good actors in the movie, though, the best thing about this movie was the actors.
Super Reviewer
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