Bullets or Ballots

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Bullets or Ballots

Released May 26, 1936

1h 22m

Crime

Drama

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3 Reviews

67%

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250+ Ratings

Upon the murder of an anti-crime advocate, the police turn to former investigating detective Johnny Blake (Edward G. Robinson) for help. Convinced that racketeer Al Kruger (Barton MacLane) arranged the murder, Johnny goes undercover in order to infiltrate Kruger's gang. Using his unsuspecting friend Lee Morgan (Joan Blondell), who runs a numbers racket, Johnny burrows into Kruger's organization while staying one step ahead of suspicious henchman Bugs Fenner (Humphrey Bogart).

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Ann Ross

Maclean's Magazine

Most of the material is familiar, however: it's just the usual crime angles sorted out into a new pattern.

Oct 11, 2019

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Michael E. Grost

Classic Film and Television

Police vs gangsters saga has unusually prominent roles for black actors.

Nov 21, 2017

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

An agreeable action-packed gangster flick.

Rated: B

Jul 19, 2006

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David F

A subpar gangster film.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

10/04/24

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Steve D

There is nowhere enough to it.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

03/08/24

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Ed M

Edward G. and Bogart in one movie? Are you kidding me?

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

05/07/21

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Audience Member

I greatly enjoyed this humdinger that faces off Edward G. Robinson against Humphrey Bogart, with Joan Blondell doing an incredible job as the moll. Another fine Warner Brothers gangster film, with taut direction by William Keighley.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/06/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I greatly enjoyed this humdinger that faces off Edward G. Robinson against Humphrey Bogart, with Joan Blondell doing an incredible job as the moll. Another fine Warner Brothers gangster film, with taut direction by William Keighley.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/24/23

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Audience Member

Robinson is finally a hero.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/25/23

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William Keighley

Director

Edward G. Robinson

Johnny Blake

Joan Blondell

Lee Morgan

Humphrey Bogart

"Bugs" Fenner

Barton MacLane

Al Kruger

Frank McHugh

Herman

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Synopsis

Upon the murder of an anti-crime advocate, the police turn to former investigating detective Johnny Blake (Edward G. Robinson) for help. Convinced that racketeer Al Kruger (Barton MacLane) arranged the murder, Johnny goes undercover in order to infiltrate Kruger's gang. Using his unsuspecting friend Lee Morgan (Joan Blondell), who runs a numbers racket, Johnny burrows into Kruger's organization while staying one step ahead of suspicious henchman Bugs Fenner (Humphrey Bogart).

Director: William Keighley
Producer: Louis F. Edelman
Screenwriter: Seton I. Miller
Production Co: Warner Bros., First National Pictures
Genre: Crime, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 26, 1936, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 21, 2016
Runtime: 1h 22m

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