They Gave Him a Gun 1937
"Two Dramas of Cold-Blooded Violence and Smoldering Love combined into One Red-Hot GREAT Thrill Show"
Directed by the versatile W.S. Van Dyke, *They Gave Him a Gun (1937)* is a gripping fusion of war, crime, and drama that explores the dark legacy of combat.
Director: W.S. Van Dyke
Cast
Spencer Tracy
Fred P. Willis
Gladys George
Rose Duffy
Franchot Tone
James 'Jimmy' Davis
Edgar Dearing
Sgt. Meadowlark
Mary Treen
Saxe
Cliff Edwards
Laro
Charles Trowbridge
Judge
Ernie Alexander
Admiring Soldier (uncredited)
Hooper Atchley
Army Doctor (uncredited)
Irving Bacon
Tall Soldier (uncredited)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *They Gave Him a Gun* (1937) about?
The film follows a World War I veteran who channels the violent skills he learned in combat into a life of crime after returning home with no other prospects. It's a dark tale of survival, revenge, and the blurred lines between duty and delinquency. The story blends gritty action with personal drama, making it a compelling watch for fans of classic noir.
Who directed *They Gave Him a Gun*?
W.S. Van Dyke, known for his work on classic films like *The Thin Man* and *San Francisco*, directed *They Gave Him a Gun*.
Who stars in *They Gave Him a Gun*?
The film features Spencer Tracy in the lead role, supported by Gladys George, Franchot Tone, Edgar Dearing, and Mary Treen.
Is *They Gave Him a Gun* (1937) worth watching?
While it may not have the polish of modern films, *They Gave Him a Gun* offers a raw, energetic blend of crime and drama that's undeniably entertaining. Tracy's performance and Van Dyke's direction make it a standout in the genre, especially for fans of 1930s noir. It's a snapshot of classic Hollywood at its most intense.
How long is *They Gave Him a Gun*?
The runtime of *They Gave Him a Gun* is 94 minutes.
About They Gave Him a Gun (1937) — A Classic Crime Drama with Spencer Tracy
Directed by the versatile W.S. Van Dyke, *They Gave Him a Gun (1937)* is a gripping fusion of war, crime, and drama that explores the dark legacy of combat. Spencer Tracy stars as a disillusioned World War I veteran who, left with few options, turns the brutal skills he learned in the trenches into a life of violence. The film crackles with tension as it traces his descent into a world of crime, where survival and revenge intertwine. With Gladys George and Franchot Tone rounding out the compelling cast, this noir-tinged thriller immerses viewers in a gritty, morally complex atmosphere, blending fiery confrontations with smoldering personal drama. A product of its era yet timeless in its themes, *They Gave Him a Gun* delivers a punchy, hard-hitting narrative that lingers long after the credits roll.
Set against the backdrop of post-war America, the story questions whether a man molded by war can ever truly escape its shadow. Tracy's portrayal of a man pushed to the edge is electric, while the film's taut pacing and stark visual style heighten the sense of inevitability. The tagline warns of "cold-blooded violence and smoldering love," and it's no exaggeration—this is a film where passion and peril collide in explosive ways. For fans of classic crime dramas that balance raw intensity with emotional depth, *They Gave Him a Gun* remains a standout entry in 1930s cinema.
