- Genre
- Crime
- Year
- 1933
- Runtime
- 0h57
0
Narcotic
Unmasking crime's shadow: the fight against narcotics begins.
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Synopsis
Narcotic, a 1933 crime drama featuring Harry Cording, dives into the shadowy world of drug trafficking and law enforcement during the early 20th century. The film follows a determined detective's relentless pursuit of a dangerous narcotics ring operating under the veneer of legitimacy. Set against the backdrop of urban corruption and addiction, the story highlights the personal and professional challenges faced by those fighting the spread of illegal drugs. With its gritty atmosphere and moral undertones, Narcotic provides a monochrome glimpse into the societal issues surrounding narcotics in an era before modern drug enforcement policies were established.
Cast
Reviews
Narcotic holds a modest place in cinematic history, garnering mixed to negative reviews from contemporary and later audiences alike. On IMDb, the film has a rating of 3.9 out of 10, reflecting its limited appeal in terms of pacing and production quality by today's standards. Some critics have noted that while the film tackles an important social issue, the storytelling feels dated and the character development is thin, making it less engaging for modern viewers. Rotten Tomatoes does not have a critic score available, as many classic films from this era lack contemporary critical reassessment on the platform. The film's historical significance is occasionally praised for its early depiction of drug crime in cinema, but major critiques point to its simplistic plot and lack of subtlety. For example, some reviews highlight that the performances, including that of Harry Cording, are competent but unable to fully elevate the movie beyond its modest B-film status. Overall, Narcotic may be of interest to enthusiasts of vintage crime films or scholars studying cinema's approach to social issues in the 1930s, but it rarely resonates with the general audience today.
