Dead End

Starring: Humphrey Bogart, Sylvia Sidney, Joel McCrea, Wendy Barrie, Claire Trevor
Directed by: William Wyler
Rating: Not rated
Genre: Crime, Drama
Box Office: $
1937

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: The story of a East Side neighborhood is told, including a gang of kids, a mobster (Humphrey Bogart), and two would-be lovers.

Review:

Tim: I was slightly disappointed in this movie. It certainly does have some interesting aspects to it, though. I like the idea of a movie really giving you a picture of a specific neighborhood, including the multiple citizens who live there. However, it also gives the film a disjointed quality. It never really gels together. There are too many characters and too many storylines that disrupt the flow of the movie.

I liked Humphrey Bogart in his role. I only wish he had more screen time and more to do. It seems like he is on screen throughout the movie, but never does much except stand around. The big climax at the end is also somewhat disappointing.

The best part of the movie is the commentary on society- on the struggle between good and evil, with "bad" guys dragging down the good guys. It is interesting to watch how bad influences can have negative effects on otherwise good people. This is the big "lesson" of the film.

Dead End is a decent crime drama, although I don't believe it was one of the best movies of 1937 (even if it was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture). Still, there is enough different about the film to keep its audience fairly interested.


Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 6



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