Customer Reviews

Best of British Classics: Thunder In The City

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VCI Entertainment and Atlantic Film Company presents "THUNDER IN THE CITY" (1937) (87 min/B&W) -- Starring Edward G. Robinson, Luli Deste, Nigel Bruce, Constance Collier, Ralph Richardson, Arthur Wontner & Nancy Burne

Directed by Marion Gering

Thunder in the City is very much on the lower end of production values than anything Robinson was doing at Warner Brothers. But with that said it still is not a bad film, definitely shows the British practice of doing business - not much different than the American way where money is concerned.

Edward G. Robinson went over to the United Kingdom during some falling out with Warner Bros. to star in this film about a fast talking promoter who essentially inflates the value of some mining stock to get more money for the owner who is being squeezed by a tough minded businessman in the purchasing negotiations. The owners are Nigel Bruce and Constance Collier and the businessman is Ralph Richardson in one of his early screen roles.

Can Robinson pick up old country pointers in business dealings in the U.K. - while giving them his philosophy on good old America know how and the game of creating an elution of a good deal, that is really not there without all the marbles.

An excellent cast and a good performance by Robinson who at times carries the film and is a scene stealer -- this film is still worth a view, especially if you're a fan. Somewhat hokey, but that's the charm of the story that keeps you guessing until the very end of the credits rolling by -- Robinson is a real winner in this one!

BIOS:
1. Marion Gering [Director]
Date of Birth: 9 June 1901 - Rostov-on-Don, Russia
Date of Death: 19 April 1977 - New York City, New York

2. Edward G. Robinson [aka: Emmanuel Goldenberg]
Date of Birth: 12 December 1893 - Bucharest, Romania
Date of Death: 26 January 1973 - Hollywood, California

3. Luli Deste
Date of Birth: 7 November 1901 - Vienna, Austria
Date if Death: 7 July 1951 - New York City, New York

4. Nigel Bruce [aka: William Nigel Ernle Bruce]
Date of Birth: 4 February 1895 - Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
Date of Death: 8 October 1953 - Santa Monica, California

5. Constance Collier [aka: Laura Constance Hardie]
Date of Birth: 22 January 1878 - Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK
Date of Death: 25 April 1955 - New York City, New York

6. Sir Ralph Richardson [aka: Ralph David Richardson]
Date of Birth: 19 December 1902 - Tivoli Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England, UK
Date of Death: 10 October 1983 - Marylebone, London, England, UK

Mr. Jim's Ratings:
Quality of Picture & Sound: 3 Stars
Performance: 4 Stars
Story & Screenplay: 4 Stars
Overall: 4 Stars [Original Music, Cinematography & Film Editing]

Total Time: 87 min on DVD ~ VCI Entertainment ~ (03/29/2011)

Very pleased with this release from VCI. A very good print makes for enjoyable viewing. It should be noted that this is a re-issue. The original film production company's name has been removed and the re-issuer's name is on the end title. Would like to see a British edition of this film.