Crime, Inc. (1945)

A gangster movie with a good supporting cast: Leonard, Beddoe, Atwill as a lawyer and the chairman of the mobsters' syndicate, G. Meeker. As for Carrillo, billed as the star of the movie, he looks like a perfidious, untrustworthy oldster, which was good for the role. The leading actress, nice but unskilled, seemed a Stanwyck wannabe. Neal is legendary, but I have never found him convincing or likable. Be it as it may, the role he makes here is passable.The acting highlight belongs to Leonard.The fact is they assembled quite a cast, partly by recycling veterans.The 2nd thing it's the exciting and eventful script it has: 'the invisible government', the organized crime, the syndicate, the rub-outs; one of PRC's best written movies, and one of their sensationalist dramas made in the '40s. Stultified audiences have been taught to despise them.By both look and story-line, it reminded me of '70s mafia movies made in Italy.This movie's reputation is unfair. Stylistically, unconsciously, it was way ahead of its time. The storytelling is very compelling. The reporter isn't idealized at all.For movie buffs endowed with a catholic sympathy, with catholicity of taste, for that elite of movie buffs, with the availability's of acknowledging good acting, and the awareness of its nature, and of wonders that enhance those offered by the stage, these fun-houses have the dimension of an acting fair.

When two mobsters are gunned down in a big city cafe, "Daily News" crime reporter Tom Neal (as James "Jim" Riley) decides to investigate. He is correct in seeking out handsome pal Danny Morton (as Mike Egan) about the shooting. For some unexplained reason, Mr. Morton's mob inclinations don't seem fully known to Mr. Neal, although Morton screams RACKETEER and goes by the name "Bugs Kelley" while posing as a life insurance agent. He should be a dead giveaway.More bodies drop as gangster Leo Carrillo (as Anthony "Tony" Marlow) and celebrated criminal lawyer Lionel Atwill (as Pat Coyle) man their battle stations. Meanwhile, protagonist Mr. Neal becomes aroused by the debonair Morton's beautiful singing sister Martha Tilton (as Betty). Ms. Tilton uses the name "Betty Van Cleve" professionally, apparently to further emphasize her cleavage. Morton tells Neal, "She's sweet and over 21," to give his blessing. "Crime, Inc." is hard to fathom.*** Crime, Inc. (4/15/45) Lew Landers ~ Tom Neal, Martha Tilton, Leo Carrillo, Danny Morton

Reporter uses his friendship to mobsters to get the goods on the corruption and rackets in his city.Very good crime drama with a sterling cast (Tom Neal, Leo Carillo, Lionel Atwill, Sheldon Lenoard) keeps things moving with crisp dialog and a pace that just moves along at a clip. I really liked this since it just moves from the opening minutes when a shooting in a nightclub grabs and holds your attention. Definitely worth a look.7 out of 10 (If you're looking for a copy I would avoid some of the bargain basement copies since they are over scanned and crop out characters. Its worth spend more than a buck or two to pick this up.)

I recently got this film from a good source and was worth the money. It was great to see Sheldon Leonard as the mouthy cop. Tom Neal one of my favorites as the go get 'em reporter. Leo Carillo is debonair as boss man "Tony" and of course Atwill as the man who "calls for the kill" This is worth a sit down to look at. It even has agreat uncredited bunch of actors among them Syd Saylor (remember him?), Earl Hodgins and I. Stanford Jolley. Those guys were in everything! I'm sure if you check it out you will love what you see!!! A B-Movie must see!!