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The Payoff is a 1942 crime-drama film directed by Arthur Dreifuss and starring Lee Tracy, Tom Brown, and Tina Thayer. The movie tells the story of a detective named Don Gale who is hired to investigate the murder of a young woman named Mona Harrison. Don Gale is a tough and experienced detective who has seen it all, but the case of Mona Harrison is unlike any he has ever encountered before.

The movie begins with the murder of Mona Harrison, a young woman who works as a nightclub singer. She is found dead in her apartment and the police suspect foul play. Don Gale is hired by Mona's boyfriend, a small-time crook named Nick, to find out who killed her. Nick is convinced that Mona's murder was part of a larger conspiracy, and he wants Don Gale to uncover the truth.

As Don Gale begins his investigation, he is met with multiple obstacles. He is confronted by corrupt police officers who are in cahoots with the criminals he is investigating, and he also faces resistance from the criminals themselves. Unfortunately for Don, the investigation becomes more dangerous as the body count rises.

The film features a complex plot with a large cast of characters. Mona's murder is just the tip of the iceberg, as Don Gale uncovers a larger conspiracy involving organized crime and shady politicians. The film is tense and suspenseful, as Don Gale tries to stay one step ahead of the criminals who are constantly trying to outsmart him.

One of the film's greatest strengths is the performance of Lee Tracy as Don Gale. Tracy is a veteran actor who brings a great deal of gravitas and humor to the role of the hard-boiled detective. He is tough but fair, and his quick wit and sharp tongue make him a captivating character to watch. Tom Brown also delivers a strong performance as Nick, Mona's boyfriend. Brown brings a lot of energy and intensity to the role, and he and Tracy have a great chemistry on screen.

Tina Thayer rounds out the main cast as Mona Harrison, the murder victim. While she doesn't have a lot of screen time, Thayer's performance is effective in establishing the tragic nature of Mona's death. She is a talented singer and a kind-hearted person, and her murder is a loss to those who knew her.

The movie is also notable for its depiction of organized crime in the 1940s. The criminals in the film are portrayed as ruthless, but also somewhat bumbling. They are willing to do whatever it takes to stay ahead of the law, but they also make a lot of mistakes that ultimately lead to their downfall. The film's portrayal of corrupt police officers is also notable, as it highlights the pervasive nature of corruption in some police departments.

Overall, The Payoff is a well-crafted crime-drama that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. It features a strong cast, an engaging plot, and plenty of suspenseful moments. The film is a product of its time, but it still holds up as an interesting portrait of the seedy underbelly of society. For fans of classic crime-dramas, The Payoff is a must-see movie.

The Payoff is a 1942 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 10 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.