For such an early film, this really is quite good. It's during the Great Depression, and the Board of Directors of Thomas Dickson's (Walter Huston) bank feel he is treading dangerous territory with risky bank loans. Dickson's bank is robbed of $100,000, and it's an inside job with the cooperation of a bank executive with gambling debts (Gavin Gordon is the patsy; note the silent film era eyebrows). But, the suspect is Matt Brown (Pat O'Brien in an early role), an ex-convict whose hard work led him to be Chief Teller. The Gordon character and Huston's wife are found in a compromising situation, and O'Brien takes the fall to protect Huston's wife from scandal. And, there's a run on the bank.
Two impressive things about this film. First, the settings. I'm tempted to think that some or many of the scenes were filmed in a real bank. Either that or the sets were unusually impressive for 1932! Second, the depiction of a run on the bank is wonderful, and gives you an idea of what it may have been like during the darkest years of the Depression.
While Walter Huston was very good in this film, the highest kudos go to Pat O'Brien. He was particularly effective in the scene where he is being questioned by the police.
Just when the Huston character is at his lowest, just when you suspect he will commit suicide or kill his wife, there's a happy ending. A bit Capra-esque you think? Of course -- this is a Frank Capra picture.
Two impressive things about this film. First, the settings. I'm tempted to think that some or many of the scenes were filmed in a real bank. Either that or the sets were unusually impressive for 1932! Second, the depiction of a run on the bank is wonderful, and gives you an idea of what it may have been like during the darkest years of the Depression.
While Walter Huston was very good in this film, the highest kudos go to Pat O'Brien. He was particularly effective in the scene where he is being questioned by the police.
Just when the Huston character is at his lowest, just when you suspect he will commit suicide or kill his wife, there's a happy ending. A bit Capra-esque you think? Of course -- this is a Frank Capra picture.