Smart Money
by Alfred E. Green
List Price:
Our Price: $2.99
You Save: $16.99 (85%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $2.88 (click here)
Category: DVD
See more DVD releases
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
DVD Cover Information
Actor: Edward G. Robinson, Evalyn Knapp, James Cagney, Noel Francis, Ralf HaroldeDirector: Alfred E. Green
Brand: Warner Brothers
Writer: John Bright
Writer: Joseph Jackson
Writer: Kubec Glasmon
Writer: Lucien Hubbard
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language)
Format: Black & White, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 81 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2008-03-25
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Movie Reviews of Smart Money
Movie Review: 5 star commentary for 4 star film
Summary: 5 Stars
"Smart Money" was the follow up film for Edward G. Robinson after his smash hit as "Little Caesar". This is a very rare film which has been unseen for years. Not only is it of interest to historians but it stands up very well today and is good entertainment. Released in 1931, some 5 months after the former film, it is a much better production in every way, although the story is tamer. Robinson plays a barber with a renowned gambling ability who hits the big city, funded by his friends from home and hoping to make a mint. The film traces his progress from small town hick to big city gambler but lacks the violence of "Little Caesar". Robinson himself requested that the more unattractive traits of his character be toned down and in this one, he is much more vulnerable and likeable, with a penchant for blondes. He is supported by James Cagney in his last supporting role. The film is very well directed by Alfred Green and is surprisingly detailed for a Warner's film of this period, an A film, no doubt about it. The print is excellent.
The real gem of this DVD is the outstanding commentary which can be played with the film. Two erudite historians place the film squarely in its context: the advent of sound, Warner Brothers lead in recording, the pre-code aspects of the script and characters and finally, biographical information about the stars, all delivered and paced beautifully. Wow! The DVD also contains a crude trailer for "Other Men's Woman", another film with Cagney in a supporting role, a brief newsreel with a glimpse of Al Capone and a very old classic cartoon. There are two musical short films. The first stars the famous George Jessel who introduces a Russian choir with some starchy comedy. The other is much better - a neat broadway yarn with a long forgotten singer Walter O'Keefe, who has a great way with a song and can actually deliver dialogue. It is surprisingly good.
This is a very good DVD package, even better value if purchased as part of the Warner's Gangster Series, Volume 3.
Summary of Smart Money
Edward G. Robinson and James Cagney were teamed for the only time in their careers in Smart Money. Robinson has the larger part as a small- town barber who fancies himself a big-time gambler. He travels to the Big City in the company of his younger brother Cagney who wants to make sure that Robinson isn't fleeced by the high-rollers. Unfortunately Robinson has a weakness for beautiful blondes most of whom take him for all his money or betray him in some other manner. The cops aren't keen on Robinson's gambling activities but they can pin nothing on him until he accidentally kills Cagney in a fight. The incident results in a jail term for manslaughter and a more sober-sided outlook on life for the formerly flamboyant Robinson. Watch closely in the first reel of Smart Money for an unbilled appearance by Boris Karloff as a dope pusher.Running Time: 81 min.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: DRAMA/CLASSICS UPC: 883929002726 Manufacturer No: 1000035746Similar DVD Movies
City for ConquestWarner Brothers; Release date: 2006-07-18; DVD
Best price: $2.34
Price in other shops:
Little CaesarLE ROY,MERVYN; Release date: 2005-01-25; DVD
Best price: $4.90
Price in other shops:
The Public EnemyWarner Brothers; Release date: 2005-01-25; DVD
Best price: $3.30
Price in other shops:
G MenCAGNEY,JAMES; Release date: 2006-07-18; DVD
Best price: $7.34
Price in other shops:
The Roaring TwentiesWarner Brothers; Release date: 2005-01-25; DVD
Best price: $3.64
Price in other shops:
Torrid ZoneWarner Brothers; Release date: 2007-04-24; DVD
Best price: $0.98
Price in other shops:
The Mayor of HellWarner Brothers; Release date: 2008-03-25; DVD
Best price: $1.94
Price in other shops:
Picture SnatcherWarner Brothers; Release date: 2008-03-25; DVD
Best price: $3.45
Price in other shops:
A Slight Case of MurderWarner Brothers; Release date: 2006-07-18; DVD
Best price: $4.90
Price in other shops:
Lady KillerWarner Brothers; Release date: 2008-03-25; DVD
Best price: $2.95
Price in other shops: