Hoodlum Empire (1952)

A former gangster who joined the army during World War II and became a hero is now leading a respectable life, out of the rackets. However, when he is called before a grand jury probing ... See full summary »

Director:

Joseph Kane

Writers:

Robert Considine (story), Bruce Manning (screenplay),

Stars:

Brian Donlevy, Claire Trevor, Forrest Tucker

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Brian Donlevy	...	Sen. Bill Stephens
Claire Trevor	...	Connie Williams
Forrest Tucker	...	Charley Pignatalli
Vera Ralston	...	Marte Dufour
Luther Adler	...	Nick Mancani
John Russell	...	Joe Gray
Gene Lockhart	...	Sen. Tower
Grant Withers	...	Rev. Simon Andrews
Taylor Holmes	...	Benjamin Lawton
Roy Barcroft	...	Morris Draper
William Murphy	...	Pete Dailey
Richard Jaeckel	...	Ted Dawson
Don Beddoe	...	Sen. Blake
Roy Roberts	...	Police Chief Tayls
Richard Benedict	...	Silky Tanner

Storyline

A former gangster who joined the army during World War II and became a hero is now leading a respectable life, out of the rackets. However, when he is called before a grand jury probing organized crime activities, his former colleagues in the mob are afraid he'll spill the beans, and prepare to take measures to ensure that he doesn't.

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Taglines:

Nation's Billion Dollar Racket Exposed!

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Genres:

Film-Noir | Crime | Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 April 1952 (USA)

Also Known As:

Au royaume des crapules

Company Credits

Production Co:

Republic Pictures (I)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

98 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

User Reviews

Film Noir Is "Fair" and Features Too Many Flashbacks

This film noir story is told mostly in the form of flashbacks. It begins to drag a bit in the second half and one gets a little antsy waiting to find out how the good guy gets off in the end, which we assume he does.

Oddly, the main actor in this film, John Russell - the hero of the movie - is not listed on the back on the video box, in critics reviews or even in the film! The most interesting character in "Nick Mansani," played by Luther Adler. Meanwhile, Claire Trevor plays her normal film noir role of the unhappy woman, in this case the "scorned woman." Forrest Tucker was pretty good as the hot- headed hit man, too.

However, overall this was just fair as film noirs go; nothing special to make it stand out. In truth, too many flashbacks ruined this film.