Railroaded (DVD)

This is an old-type blood-and-thunder gangster meller thats better than its no-name cast would indicate. A ruthless mobsters trigger-happy mood is reflected by many killings and robberies, with payoff gun battle in nightclub reminiscent of gangster shockers before the strict code era. Story starts out like a familiar cops-and-robbery, then disintegrates into a plot wherein police detectives misinterpret circumstantial evidence, and it finally winds up with yarn centering on a cold-blooded gangster who uses his gun whenever anybody gets in his way. Probably the most suspenseful moment is built around said mobsters deliberate gun- blasting of his sweetheart after he overhears her tipping off the coppers. Even skillful cutting does not make this a nice episode particularly since he had pushed her around all through the picture. The cold- blooded slaying of his boss soon afterwards steeps this production in plenty of gore. Anthony Mann has directed, for the most part, with real acumen in developing maximum of suspense. Earlier passages where a truckdriver is unjustly accused by the gendarmes and put through a vivid third degree seems a bit extraneous. Outstanding in the cast is Hugh Beaumont, as the conscientious detective. He tends to underplay which makes his work all the more effective. John Ireland is sufficiently menacing as the gangster killer, Jane Randolph does excellent work as the gunmoll while Sheila Ryan, comely dark-haired gal, shows promise as the heroine. (Variety, October 8, 1947)