Review of Black Legion (1937) by Bernard A — 05 Dec 2009

"In the name of God and the Devil, one to reward and the other to punish, and by the powers of light and darkness, good and evil, here under the black arch of Heaven's avenging symbol, I pledge and consecrate my heart, my brain, my body, and my limbs and swear by all the powers of Heaven and Hell to devote my life to the obedience of my superiors and that no danger or peril shall deter me from executing their orders. That I will exert every possible means in my power for the extermination of the anarchist, the Roman hierarchy and their abettors...".

...lawl, and with that pledge - said by the initiate held at gunpoint, no less - a new member is welcomed into THE BLACK LEGION. Jeez...what a bunch of idiots! The sad thing though is that I'm sure there are still folks today who espouse the beliefs of this klu klux klan-like organization that was in operation in the United States during the 1930's. THE BLACK LEGION is one of many Warner Brothers films from the 30's which touched upon topical sociological issues...in this case, xenophobia.

Frank Taylor (Humphrey Bogart) is a factory worker who is resentful of being passed up for a promotion to supervisor. The position he had been hoping for was instead given to a studious foreign born co-worker. Duh!

Frank hears about and becomes involved with like-minded individuals who blame the ills of society on foreigners. Dadburn foreigners who take jobs away from real 'mericans like Frank. So when Frank tells his wife Ruth (Erin O'Brien-Moore) that he will be going out with "the boys" ...well, foreigners better beware!!!

I'm sure the film is well meaning...but it's also pretty pedestrian and predictable. Predictable thanks to the Hayes Code which pretty much specifies that criminals in films be given their just desserts - if you know what I mean!

This film is of interest if you are a fan of Bogart. He really has great screen presence here in one of his earlier starring roles. Also in attendance is a youngish Ann Sheridan, who as always - is easy on the eyes!

6.