Watch Angels Over Broadway

Angels Over Broadway is a 1940 American comedy-drama film directed by Ben Hecht and Lee Garmes. The movie stars Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Rita Hayworth, and Thomas Mitchell. The film tells the story of a group of characters at a New York City bar and the events that lead to their lives intersecting. The film opens with Charles Engle (Thomas Mitchell), a struggling screenwriter, who is trying to sell his latest script. He goes to a bar to have a drink but ends up getting robbed by a con artist named Jules (John Qualen). Engle is desperate for money and soon falls in with Jules and his partner, a beautiful young dancer named Nina (Rita Hayworth). The pair convinces Engle to help them in a scam, promising him a cut of the profits.

Meanwhile, Bill O'Brien (Douglas Fairbanks Jr.), a wealthy Nebraska cattleman, arrives in New York City with his girlfriend, Pearl (Eve Arden). He is immediately taken advantage of by the conman Jules, who sells him a phony stock in a nonexistent company. O'Brien discovers the fraud and confronts Jules, who then offers to return his money.

In the meantime, Nina is trying to make ends meet as a dancer and is frustrated by her lack of success. She meets a wealthy older man, Foster (Charles Winninger), who takes an interest in her and offers to back her career. Nina, however, has a plan to get the money to back herself, which involves scamming O'Brien out of his cash.

As the characters' lives intersect, they find themselves getting caught up in a web of deceit and double-crosses. Engle, who is trying to make amends for his past mistakes, tries to stop the scam from going forward. O'Brien, who is trying to regain his trust in people, falls for Nina and is caught in the middle of the scheme.

While Angels Over Broadway was not a box-office success in its time, it is now seen as a classic of 1940s cinema, thanks to its innovative storyline, clever dialogue, and strong performances. The movie was a collaborative effort between screenwriter Ben Hecht and cinematographer Lee Garmes, who co-directed the film. They worked together to create a visually stunning movie with a unique storyline that was ahead of its time.

The cast of Angels Over Broadway was also excellent, featuring the talents of some of the finest actors of the time. Thomas Mitchell, who delivers a standout performance as the struggling writer, brings a depth and complexity to his character that adds a layer of authenticity to the film. Rita Hayworth, in one of her earlier roles, is a revelation as the dancer Nina, bringing both beauty and cunning to her character. Douglas Fairbanks Jr., who was known for his dashing good looks, proves himself to be a capable actor, delivering a heartfelt performance as the sympathetic cattleman.

In addition to its great cast and talented crew, Angels Over Broadway is notable for its clever dialogue and snappy one-liners. The film is filled with witty banter and quotable lines that have become classics of 1940s cinema. Hecht's screenplay is smart and engaging, and the film's unexpected twists and turns keep viewers guessing until the very end.

In conclusion, Angels Over Broadway is a classic of 1940s cinema that is still worth watching today. While it may not have been a critical or commercial success in its time, it has since been recognized as a groundbreaking film that broke new ground in terms of its storyline, dialogue, and technical innovations. With its strong performances, clever dialogue, and engaging storyline, it truly is a must-see movie for anyone interested in the history of cinema.