Watch Thunderbolt, 1946

Thunderbolt is a 1946 crime film, directed by William Wyler and starring Edward G. Robinson, John Lund, and Nigel Bruce. The film tells the story of a notorious criminal named Jim 'Thunderbolt' Kirke, who is released from prison after serving a long sentence for robbery. Upon his release, Kirke is determined to go straight and leave his criminal past behind him. However, as he tries to rebuild his life, he finds that his past continues to catch up with him.

The film opens with Kirke being released from prison and boarding a train bound for New York City. On the train, he meets a woman named Ritzie (played by J. Carrol Naish), who is a member of his old gang. Ritzie invites Kirke to join the gang for a new heist, but Kirke declines, saying that he wants to start a new life.

After arriving in New York, Kirke visits his former girlfriend, whose father is a politician. The girlfriend warns Kirke that his old gang is planning a robbery and that he should stay away from them. However, Kirke is forced to intervene when his old gang steals a truckload of whiskey and gets into a shootout with the police. Kirke manages to get away from the scene, but his old gang members are arrested.

The police, who suspect Kirke's involvement in the robbery, start investigating him. However, Kirke is determined to clear his name and prove his innocence. He enlists the help of a newspaper reporter named Randy Curtis (played by John Lund), whom he met on the train, to help clear his name. Together, they work to expose the real criminals and clear Kirke's name.

The film also features a subplot involving Kirke's attempts to reconnect with his estranged daughter (played by Diana Lynn). Despite his criminal past, Kirke deeply loves his daughter and wants to make amends for the mistakes he has made. However, he finds it difficult to connect with her, as she has grown up without him and is wary of his criminal past.

As the film progresses, the tension builds, as Kirke and Curtis race against time to expose the real criminals and clear Kirke's name. The film culminates in a thrilling car chase, as Kirke and Curtis pursue the real criminals through the streets of New York.

One of the standout features of Thunderbolt is Edward G. Robinson's performance as the reformed criminal Jim 'Thunderbolt' Kirke. Robinson, who was known for his tough-guy roles, brings a sense of humanity and vulnerability to the character. He portrays Kirke as a complex, three-dimensional character, with both strengths and weaknesses.

Another notable aspect of the film is its use of location shooting in New York City. The film showcases many famous landmarks, including Times Square, Central Park, and the Brooklyn Bridge. The location shooting adds a sense of authenticity and realism to the film, making it feel like a snapshot of life in post-war New York City.

Overall, Thunderbolt is a well-made, classic crime film that combines thrilling action with complex characters and a sense of realism. It is a must-watch for fans of classic cinema and crime films.