The Big Shakedown

Synopsis

In the 1934 film 'The Big Shakedown', Charles Farrell stars as a New York City sidewalk salesman who finds himself battling a corrupt businessman and his illegal operations. As he tries to uncover the truth behind the shady dealings, he faces danger and deception while risking everything he holds dear. Set against the backdrop of the roaring 20s, this crime drama explores the gritty underworld of organized crime and the lengths one man will go to uphold justice in a city consumed by greed and power.

Cast

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  Charles Farrell

  Jimmy Morrell

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  Bette Davis

  Norma Nelson

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  Ricardo Cortez

  Dutch Barnes

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  Glenda Farrell

  Lily 'Lil' Duran

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  Allen Jenkins

  Lefty

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  Henry O'Neill

  Mr. Sheffner

Reviews

The Big Shakedown received mixed reviews from critics upon its release. While some praised the film's gritty depiction of the crime-ridden streets of New York City and Farrell's compelling performance, others found the plot to be predictable and the pacing slow. Rotten Tomatoes gave it a rating of 5.7/10, with critics noting the film's nostalgic charm but criticizing its lack of originality. IMDb users rated it 6.2/10, praising its vintage aesthetic and authentic portrayal of the era. Metacritic scored it at 54/100, highlighting the film's historical significance but also pointing out its formulaic narrative.