DARK HAZARD, based on a novel by W. R. Burnett; directed by Alfred E. Grean; a First National prduction. At the Rialto.
Edward G. Robinson, whose appearance at the Cafe Royale would cause harlly one raised eye-brow, is back on Broadway in a new picture called “Dark Hazard,” currently at the Rialto. If you share any of my enthusiasm for this versatile actor don’t miss it. You will not be disappointed. It is a fast moving, credible story of the life of a gambler.
“Dark Hazard,” as you know was orginally a book by W. R. Burnett. It was a choice of one of the book clubs and came in for some nice words from the boys who write what is known as litery criticism. Some years ago Mr. Burnett wrote a book called “Little Caesar,” and that too was made into a movie with Robinson playing the title role. It was a grand picture and it cemented Robinson’s reputation as a cinema star. The Jewish actor has played many roles since then and he has managed to keep his standard high. In “Dark Hazard” he has not fialed his public.
The picture tells the story of the strenuous and exciting career of one Jim Turner (Robinson), a born gambler, a fellow who will bet on anything. He has married a prim ond proper wife and promised to foresake his old ways, but temptation is too strong and when he accepts an offer to go to the dog racing track at Los Angeles to act as a spy for a ring of gamblers, all his good resolves are shattered. He is aided in his natural bent by an old flame of his (Glenda Farrell). As the moral should be, Jim loses his all, his wife leave him and he finds himself without the proverbial shirt. He follows his wife to her home in Ohio and makes an effort at a reconciliation but his gambling insticts overcome his discretion and he finally bows to the inevitable, and reurns to his real love-gambling.
The picture is well cast, and the scenes are exciting, especially the shots of the dog races. Even “Dark Hazard,” the name of a racing whippet, plays his part with dignity and naturalness. I found it a thoroughly enjoyable picture.
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