Smart Guy 1943
"HE GAMBLED WITH LOVE!"
In Lambert Hillyer's dramatic crime thriller *Smart Guy* (1943), a charismatic gambler faces an unjust trial for a crime he didn't commit.
Director: Lambert Hillyer
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smart Guy (1943) about?
*Smart Guy* follows a gambler who's wrongly accused of a crime and tries to salvage his reputation by adopting an orphaned newsboy. As he navigates the shadows of the underworld, his plan to manipulate perceptions backfires, forcing him to grapple with morality and survival.
Who directed Smart Guy?
The film was directed by Lambert Hillyer, a veteran filmmaker known for his work in crime dramas and Westerns during the 1930s and 1940s.
Who stars in Smart Guy?
The film features a strong cast led by Rick Vallin as the gambler, alongside Veda Ann Borg, Jack La Rue, Wanda McKay, and Bobby Larson in key roles.
Is Smart Guy (1943) worth watching?
While short in runtime, *Smart Guy* delivers a compelling mix of drama and noir tension, anchored by Vallin's performance. Fans of vintage crime films or morally complex stories will find its themes of redemption and deception intriguing.
How long is Smart Guy?
The runtime of *Smart Guy* is 63 minutes, making it a brisk, engaging watch.
About Smart Guy (1943) — A Gritty Noir Drama of Redemption and Risk
In Lambert Hillyer's dramatic crime thriller *Smart Guy* (1943), a charismatic gambler faces an unjust trial for a crime he didn't commit. With time running out, he seizes an unexpected opportunity to reshape his tarnished reputation by taking in an orphaned newsboy—a decision that forces him to confront the blurred lines between redemption and deception. Set against a gritty, morally ambiguous backdrop of mid-century urban life, the film explores themes of second chances, societal judgment, and the power of human connection to alter fate.
Rick Vallin delivers a standout performance as the gambling protagonist, navigating a web of lies while clinging to the fragile hope of proving his innocence. Joining him is a talented ensemble cast, including Veda Ann Borg as a determined ally and Jack La Rue as a menacing underworld figure. Blending noir elements with heartfelt drama, *Smart Guy* crafts a tense, emotionally charged narrative that keeps audiences guessing until the final cards are dealt.