BLOOD MONEY
US, 1933, 66 minutes, Black and White.
George Bancroft, Judith Anderson, Frances Dee.
Directed by Rowland Brown.
Blood Money is an entertaining, offbeat gangster film of the early '30s. it was written and directed by Roland Brown (Quick Millions, Hell's Highway). While it echoes the violence of the gang wars and political corruption in the American cities of the early '30s, it focuses on Bailey, a bail bondsman played genially by George Bancroft. Frances Dee has an unusual role as a spoilt society girl. She is contrasted with Judith Anderson in an early film role as the nightclub owner Ruby. While the material seems stock, as do the characters, Brown invests them with a liveliness and a tongue-in-cheek humour that makes this film above average of its kind.
1. The popularity of gangster films in the '30s? The comparison between this and the better known films?
2. Black and white photography, the Alfred Newman score, George Bancroft and his personality, Francis Dee and her ingenuous style, Judith Anderson and her strength?
3. The background of American crime, gangs, politics and high society? The satirical tone of the film? American larrikin style, tongue-in-cheek? The film's moral stances and criticism?
4. The portrait of Bailey: George Bancroft's amiable style? Bailey and his self-confidence, his character, his being called at night by those in need, his playing pool? his assistants? His self-promoting cigars? Songs? his love for Ruby? The bond between the two? His friendship with Drury and helping him? The motive for helping him? The encounter with Elaine, falling in love with her, helping her with the bond, going to her home, the party, taking her to the greyhound races, meeting her father? Drury and Elaine's attraction for him? her keeping the money and its repercussions for Bailey? His being betrayed? The press, bankruptcy? Ruby and her attack on him? The gangsters? The explosives in the 8-ball? his discovery of the truth, saved by Ruby, disillusioned with Elaine? The portrait of a bail bondsman?
5. Ruby as the tough woman, her clubs, devotion to her brother, love for Bailey, jealousy? Attitude towards Elaine? The gang fights and her instigation? Her discovery about the explosive and her saying Bailey?
6. The contrast with Elaine - shoplifting, calling herself Jane Smith, the Talbot family and their wealth, background? Spoilt brat? The motives for her shoplifting? The encounter with Bailey, the phone calls, the interviews? At home, her father, the party? At the races and her enthusiasm for the greyhound - till it lost? Her being attracted by Drury and his reputation? Taking the money? Betraying Bailey? The end - and her going on an interview for more dangerous encounters?
7. Drury, the robberies, the infatuation with Elaine?
8. The world of the gangsters, types, violence, gang wars?
9. The comic touches with Bailey and his assistants?
10. Character-drawing in the context of the gangster film? Larger than life? The blend of the humorous and serious?
