Watch Black Legion

Black Legion is a powerful and thought-provoking drama from 1937 starring Humphrey Bogart, Ann Sheridan, and Dick Foran. The film tells the story of a man named Frank Taylor, played by Bogart, who becomes consumed by hatred and prejudice after losing his job to a recent immigrant. Desperate for a sense of belonging and an outlet for his anger, Frank joins a secret society known as the Black Legion, a group of white supremacists who terrorize and intimidate anyone they see as a threat to their way of life.

The film begins with Frank as a hard-working family man, proud of his job and his contributions to society. However, when he loses his position at the auto plant to a Polish immigrant, his life begins to unravel. He becomes bitter and resentful, feeling like he has been robbed of his rightful place in the world. His wife, played by Sheridan, tries to help him cope with his emotions, but he can't shake the feeling that he has been wronged.

As he becomes more and more isolated, Frank is approached by a member of the Black Legion, a secretive group that promises to help him take back control of his life. At first, Frank is hesitant to join the group, but as he is exposed to their rhetoric and their message of white supremacy, he begins to feel like he has found a new family. He becomes a devoted member of the group, taking part in their violent actions and rallies.

As Frank becomes more deeply involved with the Black Legion, his life spirals out of control. He becomes distant from his wife and children, and his behavior becomes increasingly erratic. He begins to see enemies and threats everywhere, convinced that the world is out to get him. Eventually, his views and actions become so extreme that he is caught by the police and put on trial for his crimes.

The film is a powerful exploration of the dangers of hate and prejudice, and the consequences of giving in to fear and anger. In many ways, it feels eerily relevant to the world we live in today, with its themes of xenophobia, white supremacy, and violent extremism. Bogart is excellent as Frank, conveying both his initial sense of injustice and his gradual descent into fanaticism. Sheridan is equally impressive as his wife, offering a gentle counterpoint to his rage and frustration.

Overall, Black Legion is a moving and thought-provoking film that is well worth watching. Its message is as relevant today as it was almost a century ago, and it serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of hatred and intolerance.

Black Legion is a 1937 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.