Detective Johnny Blake (Edward G. Robinson) plays both sides of the law in this 1936 gangster/crime drama. In the early part of the film, we see an increasingly disillusioned Blake forge an odd relationship with crime boss Al Kruger (Barton MacLane). But when anti crime publisher Ward Bryant is murdered by Kruger's top man Nick "Bugs" Fenner (Humphrey Bogart), it's fully revealed that Blake is working undercover for old friend and new Police Commissioner Dan McLaren (Joe King).
Kruger takes in Johnny Blake because of his fierce reputation for integrity, and both quickly become the target of "Bugs" Fenner, who up till then has had the number one spot in Kruger's gang. As Johnny masterminds a new source of revenue from running a numbers game in the Bronx and Harlem, his star rises while Fenner steams. Johnny also has to contend with the pretty Lee Morgan (Joan Blondell) who initiated the numbers racket, but is now being cut out of the action by Kruger's edict.
Working from the inside, Blake turns over information to McLaren; and as profits from the numbers game escalate, Kruger's other operations get hammered by McLaren's forces on the street. As Fenner reaches the boiling point, he takes out Kruger and goes gunning for Blake. Meanwhile, the invisible heads of the crime syndicate backing Kruger are revealed as (dis)honest businessmen cashing in on all the illegal activity.
Fingered by a Fenner crony, Johnny and "Bugs" shoot it out on the steps outside a city apartment. Blake hangs on long enough to make his final report to the police commissioner, his only regret being he won't be able to enjoy a last beer with the boss.
"Bullets or Ballots" is a taut crime drama, showcasing Edward G. Robinson some five years following his breakout performance in "Little Caesar". He and Bogart would appear in five films altogether, "Key Largo" being the most highly acclaimed, and the only film in which Bogey would get top billing over Robinson. But for sheer entertainment value, I would recommend 1938's "The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse", which showcases a much wider range of Robinson's acting ability.
Joan Blondell appeared with Bogart in 1932's "Three on a Match" and 1937's "Stand-In", along with an uncredited Bogey appearance in 1932's "Big City Blues". "Bullets or Ballots" is the only time she and Robinson worked together.
Kruger takes in Johnny Blake because of his fierce reputation for integrity, and both quickly become the target of "Bugs" Fenner, who up till then has had the number one spot in Kruger's gang. As Johnny masterminds a new source of revenue from running a numbers game in the Bronx and Harlem, his star rises while Fenner steams. Johnny also has to contend with the pretty Lee Morgan (Joan Blondell) who initiated the numbers racket, but is now being cut out of the action by Kruger's edict.
Working from the inside, Blake turns over information to McLaren; and as profits from the numbers game escalate, Kruger's other operations get hammered by McLaren's forces on the street. As Fenner reaches the boiling point, he takes out Kruger and goes gunning for Blake. Meanwhile, the invisible heads of the crime syndicate backing Kruger are revealed as (dis)honest businessmen cashing in on all the illegal activity.
Fingered by a Fenner crony, Johnny and "Bugs" shoot it out on the steps outside a city apartment. Blake hangs on long enough to make his final report to the police commissioner, his only regret being he won't be able to enjoy a last beer with the boss.
"Bullets or Ballots" is a taut crime drama, showcasing Edward G. Robinson some five years following his breakout performance in "Little Caesar". He and Bogart would appear in five films altogether, "Key Largo" being the most highly acclaimed, and the only film in which Bogey would get top billing over Robinson. But for sheer entertainment value, I would recommend 1938's "The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse", which showcases a much wider range of Robinson's acting ability.
Joan Blondell appeared with Bogart in 1932's "Three on a Match" and 1937's "Stand-In", along with an uncredited Bogey appearance in 1932's "Big City Blues". "Bullets or Ballots" is the only time she and Robinson worked together.