Outside the Law

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Nick M 12/08/2024 A couple of gangsters pull off a jewel heist, but finding themselves stuck between the law, the double-crossing partner they double-crossed, and something bigger than themselves, they have to decide whether to keep on as crooks or attempt to make more of their lives. Despite being sandwiched by a well-meaning but cringey "enlightened Chinese philosophy" angle, this was an entertaining gangster film! I could watch Lon Chaney fold shirts and would still find him fascinating, but thankfully he has much more to do in this picture that is worth a gander. Priscilla Dean and Wheeler Oakman are both absolutely great in their roles as the slick thieves, and the wholesome aspects that crept in along the way were both surprising and delightful. It is rough around the edges, but there is something distinctly modern about the storytelling of the middle section of this picture. Tod Browning is offering something new here, and I'm excited to see his future work. There is plenty of action, but the in-between bits when the plot is simmering felt just as interesting rather than becoming dull but necessary. There was also some refreshing feminism here! Priscilla Dean's character makes the decisions and does most of the thinking, and Wheeler Oakman's character accepts her leadership unquestioningly. He also takes the lead in the socioemotional/caretaker department. I don't know that I've seen this kind of gender role reversal in a film this early before, particularly where no one makes a fuss about it and it feels completely natural. It's utterly fascinating, and has me really curious about Browning and his upbringing (assuming this influence on the picture even came from him). Chaney's yellow face role (one of the two characters he plays) is ghastly, but thankfully it isn't featured much. See more 08/07/2022 The greatest 1.25 hours ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! See more 01/02/2014 Inventive crime drama about jewel thieves, with romance, emotion, glamour and suspense. See more 12/03/2010 A pretty good crime drama, I think Browning is better at horror, but this movie was enjoyable. The story is good, and the actors too, it's not great, but I liked it anyway. See more 02/15/2010 Minor Chaney effort is still somewhat interesting. See more 05/21/2009 Tod Browning's atmospheric silent crime melodrama is an early collaboration with screen icon Lon Chaney. As memorable as Chaney's dual role is, it's really only a supporting performance, but Priscilla Dean and Wheeler Oakman make compelling leads. The story is uneven, but it has some effective suspense scenes and an exciting climax - dated notions of cultural sensitivity and moral judgement aside. A solid early effort, but it pales in comparison to the dark gothic masterpieces Browning and Chaney would make a few years later. See more Read all reviews

Outside the Law

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