Torrid Zone

Released May 18, 1940

1h 28m

Comedy

Drama

List

Reviews

60%

250+ Ratings

Audience Score

Trouble is brewing at a Central American banana plantation. Led by revolutionary Rosario La Mata (George Tobias), the workers are becoming restless. In the past, plantation foreman Nick Butler (James Cagney) had been able to quiet their unrest, but he's quitting for a job in America. While the plantation owner (Pat O'Brien) does his best to keep Nick working for him, Nick catches the eye of a trouble-making nightclub singer named Lee (Ann Sheridan) who is on the run from the law.

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Ken Hanke

Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)

Yeah, it's a melange of much, but, boy, is it ever a lot of slickly made fun.

Rated: 4/5

Mar 28, 2013

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Rated: B

Mar 6, 2013

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

It's a good example of a lively Warner Brothers film, where the ensemble studio cast have a great chemistry together.

Rated: B

Oct 17, 2009

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John J. Puccio

Movie Metropolis

Harmless fun, the movie is more notable for its attractive stars and snappy dialogue than for anything that actually happens in the plot.

Rated: 6/10

Apr 28, 2007

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ashley h

Torrid Zone is a decent film. It is about trouble that is brewing at a Central American banana plantation. James Cagney and Ann Sheridan give good performances. The screenplay is a little in places. William Keighley did an alright job directing this movie. I liked this motion picture because of the action and humor.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Audience Member

A great adventure film made by Warner Bros! Although there isn't much of a constructed plot in this film, I still found it to be very entertaining due to the excellent cast! James Cagney appropriately portrays the tough farm employee eager to rid the grounds of the revolutionists. If you're looking for a fun classic movie to watch, I'd recommend this.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/19/23

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Audience Member

I thoroughly enjoyed this Caribbean-set comedy starring best friends James Cagney and Pat O'Brien with Ann Sheridan. Andy Devine is simply hilarious in a supporting role as one of O'Brien's helpers/hindrances.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/24/23

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Audience Member

Something of a mashup of "Only Angels Have Wings" and "The Front Page," with this comedy, action and romance about nightclub star Ann Sheridan helping Central American plantation owner Pat O'Brien keep James Cagney from leaving. You also get the great Andy Devine in a supporting role and also George Reeves in a small role.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Overall great fun, if a bit patchy. Reminded me of Red Dust.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/16/23

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Audience Member

Here's a film that's worth watching over and over just for the laughs. James Cagney is a great as always and Ann Sheridan is his equal in this crazy/zany little tale...Njoy!!!

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/22/23

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William Keighley

Director

James Cagney

Nick `'Nicky'` Butler

Ann Sheridan

Lee Donley

Pat O'Brien

Mr. Steve Case

Andy Devine

Wally Davis

Helen Vinson

Mrs. Gloria Anderson

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Synopsis

Trouble is brewing at a Central American banana plantation. Led by revolutionary Rosario La Mata (George Tobias), the workers are becoming restless. In the past, plantation foreman Nick Butler (James Cagney) had been able to quiet their unrest, but he's quitting for a job in America. While the plantation owner (Pat O'Brien) does his best to keep Nick working for him, Nick catches the eye of a trouble-making nightclub singer named Lee (Ann Sheridan) who is on the run from the law.

Director: William Keighley
Production Co: Warner Bros.
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 18, 1940, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 1, 2014
Runtime: 1h 28m

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