Watch The Great O'Malley
- NR
- 1937
- 1 hr 10 min
-
6.7 (899)
The Great O'Malley is a 1937 crime drama film directed by William Dieterle, starring Pat O'Brien, Humphrey Bogart, and Sybil Jason. The film tells the story of a tough, no-nonsense police captain, James 'Jim' O'Malley, who tries to reform the corrupt politics and police force of a big city. The film begins with Captain O'Malley being appointed as the new head of the 18th precinct in a city in America. He soon realizes that the city is ridden with corruption, and everyone, including the mayor, is involved in some kind of shady deal. O'Malley starts to clean up the department by cracking down on police brutality, and firing corrupt officers. However, his efforts are met with resistance from the corrupt police force and the mayor, who attempts to block him at every turn.
O'Malley's investigation leads him to a powerful businessman, Frank 'Flash' Conlon (Humphrey Bogart), who is involved in racketeering and other illegal activities. Conlon tries to bribe O'Malley to back down, but O'Malley refuses and continues his crusade against corruption.
Meanwhile, O'Malley befriends a young girl named Pinky (Sybil Jason), who is being exploited by a group of criminals. O'Malley tries to help Pinky and her family, and discovers that they are victims of Conlon's criminal activities. Pinky's mother is working as a prostitute in order to support her family, while her father is in jail.
As O'Malley tries to take down the powerful Conlon, he faces threats from both the corrupt police force and Conlon's gang. He is persecuted and falsely accused of crimes, but his determination and honesty win the trust of the public and the support of some brave officers, who help him in his fight against the corrupt system.
The film features strong performances from its cast, particularly from Pat O'Brien, who portrays the gritty and uncompromising O'Malley with great conviction. The film also showcases Humphrey Bogart, in a pre-stardom role, as a cold-hearted, unscrupulous villain. Sybil Jason, as Pinky, delivers a poignant and mature performance that underscores the harsh realities of life in the inner city.
The Great O'Malley addresses issues of crime, corruption, and social inequality in a powerful and moving way. Its themes of honesty, integrity, and justice still resonate today, making it a timeless classic. The film is a must-watch for fans of classic cinema, and for those interested in the history of crime and corruption in America.