Watch The Secret Six

In the early 1930s, filmmakers were experimenting with a new style of movie called the "gangster film." These films were set against the backdrop of Prohibition-era America and portrayed the world of organized crime in a straightforward and often brutal manner. One of the earliest examples of this genre was the 1931 film "The Secret Six," directed by George W. Hill and starring Wallace Beery, Lewis Stone, and Johnny Mack Brown.

The film tells the story of a group of six businessmen who band together to take down a powerful and corrupt bootlegging ring. The group, which includes a government agent, a millionaire playboy, a doctor, and a former gangster, decide to take matters into their own hands after becoming disillusioned with the slow pace of justice.

The Secret Six's mission is a dangerous one, and they face numerous challenges along the way, including corrupt law enforcement officials, hired gunmen, and internal squabbles among the group. Their efforts to uncover and dismantle the bootlegging ring eventually lead them to a violent and bloody confrontation with the gang's leader.

The film is notable for its gritty realism and its unflinching portrayal of violence. While other gangster films of the era often romanticized the criminal underworld, "The Secret Six" presented a more sobering view of the world of organized crime.

Wallace Beery gives a powerful performance as the group's former gangster, working to redeem himself while struggling with his violent tendencies. Lewis Stone, meanwhile, is the voice of reason among the group, using his wealth and connections to help the group achieve their goals. Johnny Mack Brown plays the government agent who brings a youthful energy and enthusiasm to the group.

The film was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and helped establish the gangster film as a significant genre in Hollywood. It also set a precedent for films that portrayed crime and violence in a more realistic and unvarnished way, paving the way for later classics like "The Godfather" and "Goodfellas."

Today, "The Secret Six" is considered a classic of early cinema, and an important marker in the development of American cinema. Its legacy is still felt in the gangster films and crime dramas that continue to captivate audiences to this day.

The Secret Six is a 1931 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.