Watch What Price Crime

What Price Crime is a 1935 crime drama directed by Albert Herman and starring Charles Starrett, Noel Madison, and Virginia Cherrill. The movie is set in New York City during the Great Depression era and focuses on the interplay between a hardened gangster, a district attorney, and a young newspaper reporter. The movie explores themes of corruption, morality, and the complex relationships between crime and law enforcement.

The film opens with a daring bank robbery committed by a group of ruthless criminals led by Buck Peters (Noel Madison). The robbery sets off a chain of events that eventually involves the district attorney, Mark Andrews (Charles Starrett), and the up-and-coming reporter from the Daily Express, Jeanie Reynolds (Virginia Cherrill). Andrews is determined to bring the criminals to justice, but he soon realizes how difficult that will be in a city where corruption runs rampant, and the criminals are protected by powerful interests.

As Andrews works to build his case against Peters and his gang, he finds an unlikely ally in Reynolds, who uncovers damning evidence that could be used against the criminals. However, their efforts are soon thwarted by the machinations of political bosses and corrupt police officers who are determined to protect the criminals.

What Price Crime is a fast-paced and gripping crime drama that explores the complexities of the American criminal justice system in the 1930s. The film's realistic portrayal of the corruption and abuse of power that existed within the system was unusual for its time and helped make the movie a critical and commercial success.

The film's main strength lies in its lead performances, particularly that of Charles Starrett, who brings a quiet intensity to his role as the district attorney. Starrett's portrayal of Andrews captures the character's determination, sense of justice, and desperation as he confronts the corrupt forces that threaten to overwhelm him. Virginia Cherrill also delivers a solid performance as the young reporter who finds herself drawn into the story and its dangerous consequences.

Noel Madison, who plays the ruthless criminal Buck Peters, is also noteworthy for his convincing portrayal of a man who is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals. Peters is a complex character, and Madison manages to convey both his cold-bloodedness and his vulnerabilities. The supporting cast is also strong, with notable performances from Robert Warwick as a corrupt police captain and Boris Karloff as a shady nightclub owner.

The movie's production values are generally solid, with moody lighting and effective camera work used to create a sense of danger and tension. The film's pacing is also excellent, with the story unfolding at a brisk pace that keeps the viewer engaged throughout.

Overall, What Price Crime is a classic crime drama that still holds up today. The themes it explores - corruption, morality, and the battle between crime and justice - are timeless, and the performances are strong enough to make the movie compelling. While the film's setting and characters may seem dated to modern audiences, its exploration of the darker side of the American justice system is as relevant today as it was in 1935.

What Price Crime is a 1935 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 4 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.