Watch The Girl from Chicago

The Girl from Chicago is a 1932 American crime drama film directed by Oscar Micheaux. The film is significant for its cast, which is entirely composed of African-American actors, and for its portrayal of the struggle for racial equality in a way that was still largely unheard of in Hollywood at the time. The film tells the story of a young woman named Marcia (played by Starr Calloway) who travels from her home in the South to Chicago in search of her missing brother. When she arrives, she discovers that her brother has been killed by a group of gangsters led by a man named Duke (Carl Mahon). Determined to bring her brother's killers to justice, Marcia teams up with a well-respected lawyer named Abbott (George Williams) and starts her own investigation.

As Marcia delves deeper into the case, she uncovers a web of corruption and deceit that extends from the underworld of Chicago all the way up to the city's political elite. Her pursuit of justice puts her in danger, as Duke and his thugs will stop at nothing to keep their illegal activities a secret.

The Girl from Chicago is a powerful testament to the strength and resilience of African-American women in the face of adversity. Marcia refuses to be intimidated by the city's corrupt officials and hardened criminals, and instead uses her intelligence and resourcefulness to make a difference in her community.

The film also addresses important social issues of the time, including the prevalence of organized crime, police corruption, and racial prejudice. Characters like Duke and his henchmen embody the worst aspects of American society, while Marcia and Abbott represent the possibility of a better future.

One of the most striking aspects of The Girl from Chicago is its unapologetic use of racial slurs and offensive language. While this may be difficult for modern audiences to stomach, it serves as a reminder of the pervasive racism that existed in the United States during this time period. The film's frank depiction of racism is also a testament to the courage of the filmmakers in taking on such controversial subject matter.

Despite its low budget and relatively unknown cast, The Girl from Chicago received critical acclaim upon its release. Many reviewers praised the film's strong female protagonist and its uncompromising portrayal of social issues. Today, the film is regarded as a landmark in African-American cinema and a poignant reminder of the struggle for racial equality in America.

Overall, The Girl from Chicago is a gripping and thought-provoking crime drama whose relevance and impact have only grown with time. This pioneering film deserves to be seen and appreciated by all who are interested in the history of African-American cinema and the fight for social justice in America.

The Girl from Chicago is a 1932 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 11 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.5.