Bullets or Ballots Poster

Bullets or Ballots 1936

★ 6.649 votes82 min📅 1936-06-06

"WHO Rules The Rackets ? This picture puts the finger on the political higher-ups!"

Dive into the gritty underworld of 1930s crime syndicates with *Bullets or Ballots (1936)*, a hard-hitting drama directed by William Keighley.

Director: William Keighley

Cast

Edward G. Robinson
Edward G. Robinson
Johnny Blake
Joan Blondell
Joan Blondell
Lee Morgan
Barton MacLane
Barton MacLane
Al Kruger
Humphrey Bogart
Humphrey Bogart
Bugs Fenner
Frank McHugh
Frank McHugh
Herman
Joe King
Joe King
Dan 'Mac' McLaren
Dick Purcell
Dick Purcell
Ed Driscoll
George E. Stone
George E. Stone
Wires Kagel
Joseph Crehan
Joseph Crehan
Grand Jury Spokesman
Henry O'Neill
Henry O'Neill
Ward Bryant

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bullets or Ballots (1936) about?

The film follows former detective Johnny Blake, who pretends to join a powerful crime syndicate to expose its corruption from within. His mission becomes perilous when racketeers suspect him of working for the police, forcing him to question who he can truly trust.

Who directed Bullets or Ballots?

William Keighley directed *Bullets or Ballots*. Known for his work in crime dramas, Keighley crafts a suspenseful narrative that blends street-level grit with high-stakes tension.

Who stars in Bullets or Ballots?

The film features a standout cast including Edward G. Robinson, Joan Blondell, Barton MacLane, Humphrey Bogart, and Frank McHugh, each bringing depth to this morally complex story.

Is Bullets or Ballots (1936) worth watching?

If you love classic crime dramas with sharp dialogue and intense performances, *Bullets or Ballots* is a must-see. While it's unrated, its themes of corruption and redemption remain compelling, making it a hidden gem from the 1930s.

How long is Bullets or Ballots?

The runtime for *Bullets or Ballots* is 82 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About Bullets or Ballots (1936) — A gripping 1930s crime drama with Edward G. Robinson

Dive into the gritty underworld of 1930s crime syndicates with *Bullets or Ballots (1936)*, a hard-hitting drama directed by William Keighley. When former detective Johnny Blake publicly humiliates the new police commissioner, he finds himself caught in a dangerous game—one where loyalty is a lie and survival means playing the mob's ruthless rules. As Blake navigates a web of deceit spun by racketeers like Al Kruger and the suspicious "Bugs" Fenner, the line between cop and criminal blurs, revealing a city where corruption seeps from the streets to the political elite.

Edward G. Robinson and Joan Blondell deliver powerhouse performances in this tense tale of betrayal, power, and the cost of integrity. The film's shadowy atmosphere and sharp dialogue capture the raw tension of an era when gangsters held cities hostage, and the fight for justice was anything but straightforward.