Blondie Johnson (1933)
A Feminine Racketeer.
A.D.S.
Published: February 27, 1933
Having played second fiddle to some of the screen's most eminent public enemies, Joan Blondell branches out for herself in "Blondie Johnson," which is at the Strand. Cast into the street by a heartless landlord, Blondie is first revealed as a resentful young woman who has arrived at the conclusion that virtue does not pay. Lacking a definite program for her iniquitous ambitions, she begins in a small way by playing on the sympathies of sentimental young men for money to convey her to a hypothetical dying mother. Thereafter in a racy melodramatic style the picture describes her gradual rise in the underworld, her manner of eliminating troublesome competitors and the ingenious machinery she sets in motion for extorting money from fashionable jewelers.
As a gangster melodrama this one is effective. The dialogue abounds with the picturesque argot of the underworld. The story reveals frequently a lively sense of humor and the actors cooperate with good performances. Of course, the film's best asset is Miss Blondell herself, who is ingratiating, cynical and tartly amusing. Allen Jenkins portrays a droll scofflaw, and Chester Morris is tight-lipped and ruthless as Blondie's consort.
The particular "insurance" racket out of which Blondie and her henchmen make their fortunes is a model of its kind, retaining a shrewd balance on the fence between good and evil. Eventually Mr. Morris, as the "front" for the outfit, makes the mistake of trying to seize all the power for himself. The internal warfare that follows brings the police in with a whoop, and the whole gang receive prison sentences which it is presumed will not be so extensive as to make Blondie and her chief lieutenant lose sight of their affection for each other. Ray Enright, the director, has developed the story with speed and clarity.
BLONDIE JOHNSON, based on a story by Earl Baldwin; directed by Ray Enright; a First National production.
Blondie Johnson . . . . . Joan Blondell
Curley Jones . . . . . Chester Morris
Louie . . . . . Allen Jenkins
Gladys La Mann . . . . . Claire Dodd
Scannell . . . . . Earle Foxe
Mae . . . . . Mae Busch
Jewelry store manager . . . . . Joseph Cawthorne
Red Charley . . . . . Sterling Holloway
Eddie . . . . . Olin Howland
Max Wagner . . . . . Arthur Vinton
Joe . . . . . Donald Kirke
Hype . . . . . Thomas Kennedy
Freddie . . . . . Sam Godfrey
Lulu . . . . . Toshia Mori
