- Actors: Humphrey Bogart, Ann Sheridan, Dick Foran, Erin O'Brien-Moore, Helen Flint
- Directors: Archie Mayo, Michael Curtiz
- Writers: Robert Lord, Abem Finkel, William Wister Haines
- Producers: Hal B. Wallis, Jack L. Warner, Robert Lord
- Format: Black & White, DVD-Video, Original recording remastered, NTSC
- Language: English
- Region: (US and Canada This DVD will probably NOT be viewable in other countries. Read more about DVD formats.)
- Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
- Number of discs: 1
- MPAA Rating:
- Studio: Warner
- Release Date: Mar 25 2008
- Run Time: 83 minutes
- Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
- ASIN: B00114XLQO
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
#36,322 in DVD (See Top 100 in DVD)
- #33 in DVD > Classics > Classic Stars > Humphrey Bogart
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Product Description
From Amazon.com
One of Humphrey Bogart's earliest starring vehicles, this 1936 melodrama typifies the Warner Bros. touch in its modest but potent production values and Depression-era social acumen. Prompted by contemporary news reports of new neofascist groups targeting political and religious minorities, the script conjures up a shadowy, Klan-like organization preying on factory workers to set them against blue-collar immigrants. Bogart is Frank Taylor, a hard-working drill-press operator hoping for a promotion that can help him better provide for his adoring wife and cherubic young son. Frank's coworkers reassure him he'll snag the foreman's post, but when a studious young Polish American gets the nod, Frank's bitter disappointment sets the stage for the tragedy that follows.
What proceeds in this 83-minute feature is a pointed morality play about tolerance and democracy. The legion's rank and file invoke a "free, white, and 100 percent American" future in justifying their scare tactics, which hound Frank's rival out of town, briefly gaining him the coveted job. But his deepening involvement in the mob soon drives wife and son away, costs him his job, and ultimately spurs him to murder his best friend, Ed (Dick Foran). Indicted for the murder, Frank is nearly acquitted by a crooked defense team funded by the corrupt businessmen who are bankrolling the legion (more to profit off the sale of robes and revolvers than to incite any real political change), but his climactic, cathartic pang of conscience brings the tale to its moralistic end.
Bogart, who dutifully marched through dozens of features before graduating to true stardom, gives the simplistic story its modest power through a credible performance that traces Frank's descent from streetwise but principled worker to angry, disillusioned thug. The supporting cast also includes Ann Sheridan, likewise fine in an otherwise two-dimensional role as Foran's wife. --Sam Sutherland
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Most helpful customer reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Brutal Film For The Thirties,
Humphrey Bogart stars as Frank Taylor, a factory worker who wants to be the next foreman. When he is passed over for the promotion he was counting on by a young, eager Polish American, his frustration and anger leads him to join the Black Legion, a group of racists out to punish anyone who isn't "100% American". He keeps this activity a secret from his wife Erin O'Brien Moore and his best friend Dick Foran. But before long, his life starts to unravel because of his association with this group, leading to a lot of tragedy, death, and heartache. I was impressed to see that a major studio like Warner Brothers took such a direct look at a hate group in 1930's Hollywood. The scene where Bogart takes the group's pledge particularly surprised me with its subtle brutality. Bogart is very good in this film, one of the few actors of his time that could have made this character seem believable. The supporting cast, which also includes a young Ann Sheridan as Foran's fiancee, all give good performances as well. The film is tough, presents a hate group as frankly as a 1930's film could, and although a little preachy at the end, delivers its message well.
4.0 out of 5 stars
"Black Legion (1937) ... Humphrey Bogart ... Archie Mayo (2008)",
By
This review is from: Black Legion (DVD)
Warner Bros. Pictures presents "BLACK LEGION" (1937) (83 min/B&W) (Fully Restored/Dolby Digitally Remastered) -- Starring Humphrey Bogart, Dick Foran, Erin O'Brien-Moore, Ann Sheridan, Helen Flint & Joe SawyerDirected by Archibald L. Mayo In this film Bogey's character, Frank Taylor, moves from a happily married family man, to a man filled with hate and finally to a man remorseful for the trouble he has brought upon himself and others. The subject of prejudice and hate organizations in a major studio production was quite daring for the 30s, given the introduction of the Production Code only a few years earlier. It still delivers a powerful message today. Warner Bros needed an actor that looked like an average "American" due to it's controversial subject matter, Bogie got his lead in Black Legion. He turned in a magnificent performance with his final scene in the courtroom during his trial. The supporting cast, which also includes a young Ann Sheridan as Foran's fiancee, all give good performances as well. The film is tough, presents a hate group as frankly as a Warner's 1930's film could, delivers its message well. Strong performances by the principals, tight direction by Archie Mayo and the usual Warner Bros. grit make for a first-rate film. BIOS: 1. Archibald L. Mayo Date of Birth: 29 January 1891 - New York City, New York Date of Death: 4 December 1968 - Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico 2. Humphrey Bogart Date of Birth: 25 December 1899 - New York City, New York Date of Death: 14 January 1957 - Los Angeles, California Mr. Jim's Ratings: Quality of Picture & Sound: 4 Stars Performance: 5 Stars Story & Screenplay: 4 Stars Overall: 4 Stars [Original Music, Cinematography & Film Editing] Total Time: 83 min on DVD ~ Warner Bros. Pictures ~ (03/25/2008)
3.0 out of 5 stars
Well-done Warner Bros. social drama,
By "traef" (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews
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