Watch 711 Ocean Drive

711 Ocean Drive is a 1950 crime film that tells the story of a telephone lineman, Mal Granger, who climbs up the ranks of the illegal gambling world in Los Angeles. The movie follows his journey as he begins as a small-time gambler, running small bets for bookies, and then gets involved in a large nationwide betting scheme. Mal Granger, played by Edmond O'Brien, is excellent in his role as the determined protagonist. He makes the transition from a man who does not want to break the law to one who gets caught up in the system and eventually becomes a mastermind of the underworld.

Directed by Joseph M. Newman, 711 Ocean Drive is action packed, filled with tense moments, and has a solid script that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats for the entire runtime. The film was shot in various locations in Los Angeles, including a well-known beachside apartment complex called Ocean House, which was where the title 711 Ocean Drive came from. Newman skillfully uses Los Angeles' varied geographies, showcasing Mal's progression through the various neighborhoods.

Joanne Dru plays Gail Mason, Mal's love interest, adding a layer of romance to the story. Mason becomes the only ray of hope for Mal, who often finds himself in a tough spot. Her presence brings calm to Mal and makes him want to do things right, although it is not without its complications.

Otto Kruger plays a prominent role in the film, playing the cunning and persuasive Byron Tiller. He is the brains behind the telephone betting system that Mal gets involved in, and it is Tiller who teaches him the tricks of the trade. What starts as a simple betting setup soon turns out to be a massive national-level network of bookies and gamblers.

At some points in the movie, 711 Ocean Drive might come across as a bit dated, with some of the dialogue and characters representing the era in which the movie was shot. But the core premise of the film remains relevant. Gambling and organized crime are present in many big cities, and the film serves as a cautionary tale of sorts.

711 Ocean Drive is also notable for its clever use of telephones, and we get to see an early glimpse of phone tapping and interception, long before it became commonplace in police dramas. The phone is a central part of the entire betting system that Tiller masterminds, and it is through the phone that Mal learns the ins and outs of the illegal gambling world. The film even shows the wiretapping of a phone line – an example of the movie being ahead of its time.

The score of the film is also done well, and it adds to the ambiance significantly. The cinematography is striking, especially during the crucial scenes that take place on the beach, where we see Mal and Gail walking on the pier, overlooking the ocean. The beaches of Los Angeles are also used effectively in various scenes, showcasing the contrast between the city's high-class businessmen and the criminal underworld. Several action sequences are well choreographed, and the climactic scene is especially impressive, where Mal's fate hangs in the balance.

Overall, 711 Ocean Drive is an excellent crime movie that holds up well, nearly seventy years after its release. It is a gritty and suspenseful tale of one man's journey into the criminal underworld, with a compelling plot and solid performances from its cast. This film is still worth a watch for fans of the genre or anyone looking for a classic crime drama to watch. It's an intriguing ride, and its moral dilemma still resonates with viewers today, making it a bona fide classic.

711 Ocean Drive is a 1950 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.