Paradise Express (1937)

A small railroad is being squeezed out of business by the tactics of a trucking company owned by gangsters.

Director:

Joseph Kane

Writers:

Jack Natteford (screenplay), Betty Burbridge (screenplay),

Stars:

Grant Withers, Dorothy Appleby, Arthur Hoyt

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Grant Withers	...	Lawrence 'Larry' Doyle
Dorothy Appleby	...	Kay Carson
Arthur Hoyt	...	Phineas K. Trotter
Maude Eburne	...	Maggie Casey
Harry Davenport	...	Jed Carson
Donald Kirke	...	Armstrong
Arthur Loft	...	Glover
Lew Kelly	...	Tom Wilson
Anthony Pawley	...	Stymie
Fern Emmett	...	Landlady
John Holland	...	Gus
Robert McClung	...	Harmonica Player (as Bob McClung)
Bruce Mitchell	...	Train Conductor
Guy Wilkerson	...	Skinny Smith
George Cleveland	...	Farmer Beasley

Storyline

A small railroad is being squeezed out of business by the tactics of a trucking company owned by gangsters.

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Plot Keywords:

gangster | railroad | telephone operator | law school | cigarette smoking | 

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Crime | Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 February 1937 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Republic Studios, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Republic Pictures (I)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min 53 min (edited)

Sound Mix:

Mono Mono (RCA Victor High Fidelity System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Missing from the edited for television version, which seems to be the only one presently available, is the first scene in Maude Eburne's diner, involving Grant Withers and Arthur Hoyt as two of her customers.

User Reviews

Morality Play of the Art Deco age

Good guys vs. Bad guys. In this case a small short line railroad is facing unfair competition from the evil trucking company headed by would-be mobsters. Our knight in shining armor, Grant Withers, rides in to rescue the failing railroad. In the '90's the parallel would be drawn between the Mom & Pop store being forced out by the giant chain store, who would cut prices until Mom & Pop threw in the towel, and would then raise prices to whatever the traffic would bear. The plot unfolds like a Grade "B" Western - the dialogue is a bit strained and simplistic in several places. However, if you enjoy morality plays with good eventually triumphing over evil - ala Hollywood of the 1930's, the film will keep your interest. Pay attention to Jed - the railroads owner. You should recognize him as the Doctor in "Gone With The Wind." If sometimes you find it just plain fun to cheer for the hero and hiss the villain, you'll enjoy Paradise Express.