Complete credited cast: | |||
George Raft | ... | Joe Gargen | |
Dorothy Hart | ... | Ann Nelson | |
Paul Stewart | ... | Lou Donelli | |
John Hoyt | ... | Vince Phillips | |
Helen Westcott | ... | Martha Haines | |
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Henry Slate | ... | Paul Nelson |
Russell Johnson | ... | Charlie Thompson | |
Margia Dean | ... | Ivy | |
Benny Baker | ... | Tubby | |
Lawrence Dobkin | ... | Walter Kerr (as Larry Dobkin) |
A vicious loan shark ring has been preying on factory workers. When several workers at a tire factory suffer violence at the hands of the loan sharkers, a union leader and the factory owner try to recruit ex-con Joe Gargan to infiltrate to the gang. At first Joe does not want to get involved, but changes his mind when his brother-in-law dies at the hands of a savage loan shark hood. Joe works his way into the mob, but in order to keep his cover, Joe can't tell anyone what he is up to. This results in him being disowned by his sister and girl friend. Written by Jim Riecken <youroldpaljim@yahoo.com>
While not a fan of Raft's starring qualities for major studio films, I really enjoy him in tough little black and white B films like this. Low budget, filmed quickly, they seem a good fit for his real life tough, sometimes lowlife persona and abilities. I intend this as a compliment to Raft and if you watch "Loan Shark" you will see what I mean.
In addition to Raft you have here a fine supporting cast including one of the best John Hoyt crime performances of his long distinguished career.
Factories, lunch boxes and cheap hoods. Really evokes the underside of the 1950's and moves along briskly. Surprisingly entertaining.