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Black Legion

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This movie is a gripping account of a very real problem that affected the Detroit automotive industry in the 1930's. The editorial review states that "the script conjures up." This movie is no conjure job. It tells a true story. My father, originally from Kentucky, went to Detroit to work in the automobile factory in the 1930's. While he was never in the Black Legion, he had enough stories to tell about it. I recommend that everyone watch this movie once.

Humphrey Bogart stars as Frank Taylor, a factory worker who wants to be the next foreman. When he is passed over for the promotion he was counting on by a young, eager Polish American, his frustration and anger leads him to join the Black Legion, a group of racists out to punish anyone who isn't "100% American". He keeps this activity a secret from his wife Erin O'Brien Moore and his best friend Dick Foran. But before long, his life starts to unravel because of his association with this group, leading to a lot of tragedy, death, and heartache. I was impressed to see that a major studio like Warner Brothers took such a direct look at a hate group in 1930's Hollywood. The scene where Bogart takes the group's pledge particularly surprised me with its subtle brutality. Bogart is very good in this film, one of the few actors of his time that could have made this character seem believable. The supporting cast, which also includes a young Ann Sheridan as Foran's fiancee, all give good performances as well. The film is tough, presents a hate group as frankly as a 1930's film could, and although a little preachy at the end, delivers its message well.

1937's "Black Legion" tells a story of a man's involvement with what amounts to the Klan without coming out and calling it that. Humphrey Bogart stars as Frank Taylor, a working man who loses a bid to become foreman when a foreign-born man gets the job instead. The Legion is right up Taylor's alley, reinforcing his belief that his woes are all the fault of the foreign-born. He gradually gets more immune to the violence as he gets in deeper and deeper with the Black Legion. It really is a very good vehicle for Bogart's acting talent as his morality gradually unwinds. The sermon at the end seems a little tacked on, much like a similar scene in 1933's "Wild Boys of the Road", but it doesn't detract too much from the overall film. The extra features on the DVD shall be:
Special Features:
Theatrical trailer: The Perfect Specimen
Two WB shorts: Hi De Ho and Under Southern Stars
Authentic newsreel
WB short: Porky and Gabby

This film is part of the Warner Gangsters Volume 3 boxed set that is being released on the same day.

The 1930's to a large extent were a miserable time career wise for Humphrey Bogart. Ploughing through a seemingly endless line of "B" gangster roles, underworld thugs, and unsavoury killers he seemed doomed never to enjoy the type of success he had in the 1940's with outstanding classics like "The Maltese Falcon", "Casablanca", and "The Treasure of Sierra Madre". However in between the Warner Bros. programmers an occasional little gem did manage to engage Bogie's talents and the still startling "Black Legion", was definately one of them. In became Bogart's first real starring role and he doesn't disappoint with his great performance as an honest factory worker who gets caught up in the deadly plans of a Klan-like organisation bent on purging America's blue collar work force of any foreign elements. Done with the type of raw grit and lack of glamour that Warner Bros. were renowned for it is a highly interesting depression tale that still carries a relevant message even today.

Humphrey Bogart owns this movie about a Ku-Klux-Klan-like organization that takes it upon itself to inhibit "foreigners" from competing with the local "American" work force. How many actors in the '30s could (or would) be willing to portray the craven Taylor, a machinist jealous of the new foreman whose job he intended to have, and who eventually joins the ranks of the Black Legion for the thrill of exacting vengeance on Eastern Europeans, Irish, or anyone perceived as an outsider threatening American jobs? Bogart is pathetic, harrowing, poignant, and acts with such depth of feeling that he emerges from the screen like a relief carving. It anticipates his role as Fred Dobbs in Treasure of the Sierra Madre. Already he's one of a kind, even in this early social drama that Archie Mayo and Warner Brothers were so good at executing in the '30s. I could look at the glistening machine shop all day and the eerie Black Legion gowns are a true menace in this richly photographed black and white movie. Hard to believe and incredibly sad that such an absurd and tragic theme as crusading masked bigotry remains pertinent to this day.

The Black Legion was a Detroit based organization that splintered from the KKK and eventually grew to 30,000 people by the mid 30s. They are the precursor to the "skin head" groups that came later - they were organized along paramilitary lines, wore black uniforms with skull and crossbones, and were said to have murdered alleged communists, socialists, and blacks. Following a highly publicized murder in 1935 of a WPA worker, Columbia Pictures pushed out "Legion of Terror" (1936) with Bruce Cabot and Warner Brothers matched them with this film.

"Black Legion" stars Humphrey Bogart, Ann Sheridan, and Dick Foran. Bogie plays a Midwestern factory worker who is passed over for a foreign born worker, joins the Black Legion, and becomes increasingly racist and aggressive.

Little need be said about Humphrey Bogart (1899-1957). In the 30s, Bogart played second fiddle to Warner's biggest stars James Cagney and Edward G. Robinson in films like "Bullets or Ballots" (1936), "Kid Galahad" (1937), and "Angels with Dirty Faces" (1938), but in 1941 Bogart starred in "High Sierra" and "The Maltese Falcon" and from that point onward, Bogart became a big name star, eventually surpassing both of them in 1943 on the tail of his performance in "Casablanca".

In terms of his career, "Black Legion" was an important film for Bogie because he was the star and he didn't play a gangster. This was his 7th film in 1937. In "Dead End", "San Quentin", "The Great O'Malley", and "Kid Galahad" he was a criminal and in "Marked Woman" he was a D.A. In all but this film he was second or third billed, following such Warner stars as Edward G Robinson, Leslie Howard, Bette Davis, Joel McCrea, and Pat O'Brien.

Erin O'Brien-Moore (1902-79) plays Bogart's wife. She was busy in the 30s with films like "The Life of Emile Zola" (1937) and "Ring Around the Moon" (1936) but her career was interrupted by a serious accident. She returned in the 60s and was active on TV, most notably as Miss Choate on "Peyton Place" (1965-9).

Dick Foran (1910-79) has the face that everyone remembers. He was a popular singing cowboy in the 30s who went on to play in more than 100 films, usually as the second male lead. He worked with Bogart in "The Petrified Forest" (1936), with Cagney in "The Fighting 69th" (1940) but more often with good friend John Wayne in films like "Fort Apache" (1948) and "Donovan's Reef" (1963). In the 60s he transitioned to TV. Foran plays Bogie's friend who is unintentionally drawn into the conflict.

Ann Sheridan (1915-67) appeared in more than 50 films, mostly in the late 30s and 40s, where she earned the nickname "Oomph Girl", before she made a move to TV. She appeared with Jimmy Cagney in "Angels with Dirty Faces" (1938), with Bogart in "They Drive By Night" (1940), with Ronald Reagan in "Kings Row" (1942), and with Cary Grant in "I Was a Male War Bride" (1949). Sheridan plays Foran's fiancé.

This was a big stepping stone for Sheridan. The next year she was a standout in "Angels with Dirty Faces" (1938) and then with Errol Flynn in "Dodge City" (1939).

Look closely at the factory workers and you'll see some familiar faces -

Henry Brandon (1912-90) plays Joe Dumbrowski, the guy who gets the job Bogart wanted. Brandon was a terrific character actor who gave us such memorable portraits as the evil "Silas Barnaby" from "Babes in Toyland" (1934), Chief "Scar" in "The Searchers" (1956), and Acacius Page in "Auntie Mame" (1958).

Joe Sawyer (1906-82) plays the man who recruits Bogart for the Legion. We know him best as Sgt. O'Hara from the TV series "Rin Tin Tin" (1954-9), but he appeared in more than 100 films, usually as a bad guy.

Samuel S. Hinds (1875-1948) plays the Judge. Hinds was the fireworks-making father in "You Can't Take It With You". Despite beginning his film career at the age of 54, Hinds made 200+ films and is best known as Dr. Stephen Kildare from the film series.

Hinds' sermon at the end of the film was similar to other film endings of the time - "The Great Man Votes" (1939) and "Wild Boys of the Road" (1933).

Archie Mayo (1891-1968) directed more than 80 films from 1917 to 1946. He was an eclectic, making a variety of films from the Marx Brothers' "A Night in Casablanca" (1946) to Bogart in "The Petrified Forest" (1936), Cagney in "The Mayor of Hell" (1933), and Gary Cooper in "The Adventures of Marco Polo" (1938).

Robert Lord (1900-76) was the producer and writer. He was nominated for an Oscar for his script and won in 1932 for "One Way Passage". He produced and/or wrote more than 50 films between 1925 and 1950, including "20,000 Years in Sing Sing" (1932), "Dodge City" (1939), "Elizabeth and Essex" (1939). Bogart was his choice for this film, and years later when Bogart set up hius own film company, Santana, Lord was his partner.

1937 was a pretty meager year in films. The top grossing films were "Snow White", "Saratoga", "One Hundred Men and a Girl", "Topper", and "Wee Willie Winkie". The Oscars went to "The Life of Emile Zola" (Picture), "The Awful Truth" (Director), "The Good Earth" (Actress) and "Captains Courageous" (Actor). Other notable releases that year were "Dead End", "The Prince and the Pauper", the Marx Brothers' "A Day at the Races", and "A Star is Born". Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland made their first film together ("Thoroughbreds Don't Cry") and 17 year old Lana Turner appeared in "They Won't Forget" and became "the Sweater Girl". Clark Gable and Myrna Loy were voted the King and Queen of Hollywood.

The NY Times called the film "ruthless, direct, uncompromising" and said that "It is good to find that the screen has not lost its power for indignation." They added - "Direction, writing and performances are as strong as the theme. Mr. Bogart's Frank Taylor is a perfectly rounded character study."

The film was nominated for an Oscar for Best Screenplay but lost to "A Star is Born". The National Board of Review voted it the best film of the year and named Bogart as the best actor. Despite this, foreign markets - Austria, Switzerland, Cyprus, Finland, France - banned the film or heavily censored the contents - Australia, Great Britain.

This is your typical "ripped from the headlines" type of film that Warners pioneered in the 30s and should be seen. It's a chance to see Bogie in one of his earliest starring roles and especially in a non gangster role. In retrospect, it's amazing that it took Warners 4 more years before they realized his potential.

Bear in mind that this is the mid to late 30s, and Hitler was busy at work convincing the Germans to put their country first and to discriminate against people from other races, religions, and countries. Mussolini too was active making the trains run on time for Fascism. So the pro America message of "The Black Legion" was certainly in keeping with Fascist international propaganda.

Films about the KKK have a long history, going back to "Birth of the Nation" (1915). They include "The Mating Call" (1928), "Legion of Terror" (1936), "The Burning Cross" (1947), "Stars in My Crown" (1950), "Storm Warning" (1951), "The FBI Story" (1959), "The Klansman" (1974), "Places in the Heart" (1984), "Mississippi Burning" (1988), and "Ghosts of Mississippi" (1996). Personally I like "Mississippi Burning" best.

This is a film you should see, not only because it is Bogie's first starring role but also because it is one of the earliest films about the KKK.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents "BLACK LEGION" (1937) (83 min/B&W) (Fully Restored/Dolby Digitally Remastered) -- Starring Humphrey Bogart, Dick Foran, Erin O'Brien-Moore, Ann Sheridan, Helen Flint & Joe Sawyer

Directed by Archibald L. Mayo

In this film Bogey's character, Frank Taylor, moves from a happily married family man, to a man filled with hate and finally to a man remorseful for the trouble he has brought upon himself and others.

The subject of prejudice and hate organizations in a major studio production was quite daring for the 30s, given the introduction of the Production Code only a few years earlier. It still delivers a powerful message today.

Warner Bros needed an actor that looked like an average "American" due to it's controversial subject matter, Bogie got his lead in Black Legion. He turned in a magnificent performance with his final scene in the courtroom during his trial.

The supporting cast, which also includes a young Ann Sheridan as Foran's fiancee, all give good performances as well. The film is tough, presents a hate group as frankly as a Warner's 1930's film could, delivers its message well.

Strong performances by the principals, tight direction by Archie Mayo and the usual Warner Bros. grit make for a first-rate film.

BIOS:
1. Archibald L. Mayo
Date of Birth: 29 January 1891 - New York City, New York
Date of Death: 4 December 1968 - Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico

2. Humphrey Bogart
Date of Birth: 25 December 1899 - New York City, New York
Date of Death: 14 January 1957 - Los Angeles, California

Mr. Jim's Ratings:
Quality of Picture & Sound: 4 Stars
Performance: 5 Stars
Story & Screenplay: 4 Stars
Overall: 4 Stars [Original Music, Cinematography & Film Editing]

Total Time: 83 min on DVD ~ Warner Bros. Pictures ~ (03/25/2008)

Excellent DVD, very good movie and great commentaries by film historians. Only regret, there is no featurette about the movie itself, sob, but anyway this is a great picture (historically and artistically).

It's hard to believe "Black Legion" didn't end up being a star making vehicle for Bogart. He gave a spectacular performance. He is at turns bitter, sweet, conflicted, resolute and remorseful. His portrayal of drunkenness is absolutely convincing. His vulnerability is palpable. There's one short moment of overacting but he follows it with work that is brilliant. His segment in the climactic scene packs an emotional wallop that tears the screen apart. All of it sparkles with the charisma that made his star burn so much more brightly than many others.

This wasn't just Bogart's picture though. All of the performances are excellent. Erin O'Brien Moore matches Bogart step for step. Her performance is nothing short of gripping. Dick Foran turned in exceptional work. He proved once and for all that he was a marvellous character actor. Joe Sawyer was exceptionally versatile. He could do comedy with the best of them. Here, he shows his flair for drama. Ann Sheridan was a serious actress before she ever became an "Oomph" Girl. Here, she's demure, vulnerable and strong according to what the material dictates. Helen Flint excels as "Pearl Danvers", the woman that should be avoided. Her work in the "Courtroom Scene" is great.

The technical aspects of the film are good as well. The story, by Robert Lord, is strong. Screenwriters Abern Finkel and William Wister Haines, did a good job of adapting it for film. Photographer and Cinematographer George Barnes kept the visual action flowing at a solid pace. His overall composition was good. His use of angles and contrasts was excellent. Director Archie Mayo (with uncredited help from Michael Curtiz) drew exceptional performances from the performers. He got them to flesh out the characters they portrayed beautifully. His pacing of the story is very good.

The film isn't without faults. The same bit of footage is used almost every time the "Legion" is on the march. That the wealthy individuals who control the Legion are portrayed as men hiding behind a facade of legitimacy is good. That their methods are oversimplified isn't. They're shown using intimidation and coercion, which they would do. They're not shown as being able to infiltrate the legal system itself, which is a huge gaffe. There are no Blacks or Indians shown (or mentioned) in the entire picture. In a film that addressed racism and hate crimes in America those omissions should have been unthinkable. To be fair the Producers may have had problems getting the picture past the Production Code if the material was deemed too sensitive, but still ...

These complaints aside, "Black Legion", is an excellent film. The statement it makes is still relevant and It's emotional impact is undiminished. It still resonates with freshness. This one was definitely ahead of its time.

That's a credit to the people who made it.

This review pertains to the DVD release of the picture. The restoration is pretty good. The picture is sharp but the contrasts are sometimes a bit dark. The audio track seems a bit muted but is clear otherwise.

The subject of BLACK LEGION (1937) remains relevant today.

Here, Humphrey Bogart is Frank Taylor, a factory machine operator who has a reasonable expectation that he'll be named the new shop foreman-- he's got the senority and experience. When a man named Dombrowski with less time in than him is chosen, Frank is not only disappointed, but angry. He's approached by a co-worker who suggests he should join a special society of "Americans for America."

The "Black Legion" is very much like the KKK. Surrounded by hooded men in an outdoor night time ceremony, Taylor takes an oath "to the death," then pays his dues and buys the requisite robe and Legion revolver. (Note: this is a very accurate depiction of the Klan in early 20th Century America-- a pyramidal business concern where a major percentage of all dues and monies raised from uniform and equipment sales were distributed to national, state and local chapter leaders.)

First his new associates destroy the Dombroski farm and send the family packing on a train. Later, they commit other atrocities in the name of "Real Americans." Taylor's marriage begins to fall apart. Guilt-stricken by what he's become, Frank wants to withdraw his membership but is refused under penalty of violence. Then, his best friend learns about the several crimes committed by the Black Legion and threatens to go to the police......

Watch for Frank Nelson as the uncredited radio announcer. For 15 years, Nelson was a regular on the Jack Benny Program, playing unctuous salesmen, floorwalkers and the like.


"Black Legion" is also available on DVD
In 1937, Bogart also appeared in the screen adaptation of DEAD END, a stageplay he appeared in with the Dead End Kids. (VHS edition) (DVD edition)

Parenthetical number preceding title is a 1 to 10 viewer poll rating found at a film resource website.

(6.8) Back Legion (1937) - Humphrey Bogart/Dick Foran/Erin O'Brien-Moore/Ann Sheridan/Helen Flint/Joe Sawyer/Clifford Soubier/Dickie Jones/John Litel (uncredited: Frank Nelson)