In this review, I’m excited to explore the forgotten classic Johnny Apollo — a 1940 film that masterfully captures the noir crime atmosphere and keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. Despite being a black-and-white production, it stands out as a true cinematic gem. Directed by Henry Hathaway, the film features outstanding performances by Tyrone Power and Dorothy Lamour, delivering a timeless crime drama that remains extremely memorable.
The story? It’s about a guy whose dad, a Wall Street broker, lands in the slammer. And what does his son do? Turns to the dark side of the law to scrape together enough cash to spring his dad. Talk about desperate times!
The film’s got some killer lines that stick with you — like this one from Tom Dugan, the prisoner: “I steal an empty slot machine and get 10 years, and this guy steals a million and gets 5. Figure that out, will yuh?”
And the reporter’s sarcastic comeback? “That’s why you got the 10 — to figure it out.” Classic! It’s one of those moments that perfectly captures the gritty, straightforward spirit of the film, delivering a chuckle even amidst all the crime chaos.
If you’re into vintage noir with a side of sharp dialogue and a compelling, morally complex story, Johnny Apollo is a must-watch. Totally underrated, and honestly, it still holds up today!
Johnny Apollo (1940): Movie Review
Bob Cain, Jr., grew up under the shadow of his father, “Pop” Robert Cain, a notorious stockbroker caught embezzling funds.
When his father is sentenced to prison, Bob’s world shatters. Once close, their bond fractures as Bob distances himself, quitting college to find work — only to be thwarted by his father’s infamy.
Desperate, Bob adopts a false identity and lands a job, but his ruse is quickly discovered, and he’s fired.
Later on, Mickey Dwyer — who was sentenced the same day as Pop — gets granted parole. Bob, fed up with his dad’s lawyer, heads over to see Dwyer’s old attorney, a retired judge named Emmett T. Brennan. He’s waiting outside Brennan’s apartment when he meets Lucky Dubarry, played by actress Dorothy Lamour, who is Dwyer’s girlfriend. They strike up a chat, and she’s immediately drawn to him.
When Brennan shows up and asks who he is, he’s not about to give away the real deal. Instead, he quickly comes up with the name Johnny Apollo — just a random alias he came up with after seeing a neon sign outside a dance club across the street.
Lucky excuses herself, and Bob then grills Brennan about how to get Pop paroled. Brennan’s answer? With money.
Soon enough, Johnny Apollo (not his real name, of course) is offered what seems like easy cash from a gangster. But that quick money pulls him into a world of crime he never saw coming.
I won’t spoil the surprises for you — trust me, you’ll want to experience it firsthand. And believe me, it’s quite the journey!
Johnny Apollo (1940) has everything you could ask for: intense court scenes, gripping jail moments, lively club scenes — you won’t find yourself bored for a second. It’s a fantastic film! Plus, Johnny Apollo is sprinkled with elements of Greek mythology, from Cupid and paradise to the mighty Apollo, the god of light.
Alright, so you know about the Greek god Apollo — classic god, right? But then there’s Johnny Apollo from 1940, and trust me, his story is worth knowing about as well. If you think you know what’s coming, think again. Seriously, don’t overlook this Johnny Apollo (1940) film — it’s a wild ride you definitely don’t want to miss.
Throughout the film, Lamour also showcases her vocal talents with several performances, notably delivering the timeless 1938 hit “They Say,” by Edward Heyman, Paul Mann, and Stephen Weiss. In addition to her singing, she brings energy and elegance to the nightclub scenes with captivating dance sequences, adding a vibrant touch to the movie’s lively atmosphere.
Another forgotten classic film you should think about checking out is ATHENA (1954). It’s a top musical and a real class act all the way through.
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