City of Chance 1940
"She wanted thrills --- and she found them in the dangerous hours before dawn!"
In director Ricardo Cortez's atmospheric crime drama City of Chance (1940), a spirited young woman leaves her quiet Texas roots for the dazzling yet dangerous streets of 1940s New York.
Director: Ricardo Cortez
Cast
Lynn Bari
Julie Reynolds
C. Aubrey Smith
The Judge
Donald Woods
Steve Walker
Amanda Duff
Lois Carlyle Blane
June Gale
Molly
Richard Lane
Marty Connors
Robert Lowery
Ted Blaine
Alexander D'Arcy
Baron Joseph
George Douglas
Muscles
Harry Shannon
Passline
Frequently Asked Questions
What is City of Chance (1940) about?
City of Chance follows a young woman from Texas who moves to New York and builds a career as a newspaper reporter. While chasing her ambitions, she navigates dangerous nightlife and tries to steer her straying gambler boyfriend back toward safety and stability.
Who directed City of Chance?
City of Chance was directed by Ricardo Cortez, known for his work in crime and drama films during the 1930s and 1940s.
Who stars in City of Chance?
The main cast includes Lynn Bari, C. Aubrey Smith, Donald Woods, Amanda Duff, and June Gale, with Richard Lane rounding out the ensemble.
Is City of Chance (1940) worth watching?
City of Chance is a tight, atmospheric crime drama with strong performances and a compelling lead. Though it's relatively short at 56 minutes, it delivers solid entertainment for fans of classic noir-inspired stories.
How long is City of Chance?
City of Chance runs for 56 minutes.
About City of Chance (1940) — A Texas Reporter's Daring Journey in 1940s New York City
In director Ricardo Cortez's atmospheric crime drama City of Chance (1940), a spirited young woman leaves her quiet Texas roots for the dazzling yet dangerous streets of 1940s New York. There, she carves out a life as a determined newspaper reporter, navigating a world of high stakes, late-night intrigue, and moral ambiguity—all while clinging to the hope of rescuing her reckless gambler boyfriend from the city's glittering but treacherous underbelly. The film pulses with tension as neon-lit alleyways and smoky jazz clubs set the stage for a story about ambition, loyalty, and the fine line between right and wrong.
Backed by a talented cast including Lynn Bari, C. Aubrey Smith, and Donald Woods, Cortez crafts a taut narrative alive with the restless energy of pre-war America. City of Chance (1940) blends sharp dialogue, shadowy visuals, and a protagonist caught between love and survival, offering a snapshot of an era where dreams and danger walked hand in hand.
