Watch Hoodlum

Hoodlum is a 1951 film directed by Max Nosseck and stars Lawrence Tierney, Allene Roberts, and Marjorie Riordan. The movie takes place in the lower-class area of New York, and tells the story of Vincent Lubeck, a down-on-his-luck ex-convict who aspires to be a prominent gangster. The movie opens with Lubeck just getting out of prison after serving a long sentence for armed robbery. He meets his former girlfriend Rosa, who left him for his former partner-in-crime Nicky. Lubeck, who has a burning desire to get back on top, declines her offer to help him get a job as a mechanic, insisting he would rather become a gangster again. His pride and arrogance leave him little room for other options.

Lubeck subsequently meets up with his old friend Nicky, who offers him a job as a driver. Nicky, who is the de facto boss of the area's previous gangs, assigns Lubeck to rob a local loan shark. Lubeck succeeds, but is double-crossed by Nicky, who murders Lubeck's associate and tries to flee with the loot.

Furious, Lubeck plots his revenge while struggling to stay out of prison. He's found new love with a young girl named Polly, and he pledges to live a clean and upstanding life. However, the events of his past never quite let him break free of his ambition for power and wealth.

The movie is characterized by its gritty atmosphere, which reflects the protagonists' dirty dealings and double-crossings. The dialogue is sharp and meaningful, highlighting the divide between the civilians of the neighborhood and the gangsters, and the sense of betrayal that arises as a result. The film features sharp editing and excellent use of the soundtrack to move the plot forward.

The acting is another highlight of the film, with Lawrence Tierney delivering a sterling performance as the tough and unyielding Vincent Lubeck. Tierney's on-screen charisma and forceful presence help him perfectly embody the ruthless and amoral side of his character. Allene Roberts is also a standout as Polly, providing a sense of purity and innocence to the film.

The movie's themes revolve around the unavoidable trap that arises from the criminal lifestyle chosen by characters and the moral ambiguities that arise from their immoral life choices. The film questions whether redemption and reform are truly possible for someone living on the wrong side of the law.

In conclusion, Hoodlum is a well-crafted film that still holds up today. It is a vivid portrayal of a side of New York many people would rather ignore, and it is a testament to the criminal underworld of the 50s. With excellent performances from its leading actors, sharp editing, and a terrific script, it remains a classic in film history.

Hoodlum is a 1951 drama with a runtime of 1 hour. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.