The Lawbreakers (1961)
A taut 1961 crime drama pitting a daring syndicate double-cross against a police commissioner's relentless fight to expose murder and corruption.
The Lawbreakers - Movie Information
The Lawbreakers - Plot
The story of a scheme to double-cross the syndicate and steal its money, and of a police commissioner's efforts to investigate homicides that take place as the scheme unfolds while also fighting corruption in the city government and police department.
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The Lawbreakers - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Joseph M. Newman
Main Cast
- Jack Warden
- Vera Miles
- Robert Douglas
- Arch Johnson
- Douglas Odney
- Robert H. Harris
- Ken Lynch
- Robert Bailey
- David White
- Mary Lawrence
Writers
- Paul Monash
- W.R. Burnett
The Lawbreakers - FAQs
What is The Lawbreakers about?
The Lawbreakers follows a dangerous scheme to steal money from a powerful crime syndicate while a police commissioner races to solve a string of homicides connected to the plot. It's a tense, layered crime drama that also tackles corruption within city government and the police department itself.
Is The Lawbreakers a film noir?
Yes, The Lawbreakers carries strong film noir DNA. It blends shadowy criminal intrigue with moral ambiguity, featuring a double-cross plot, corrupt institutions, and the kind of fatalistic atmosphere that defines the noir genre. Cinematographer Nicholas Musuraca, a noir legend, lends the film its distinctive visual tension.
Who are the main actors in The Lawbreakers?
The cast is led by Jack Warden and Vera Miles, with strong supporting work from Robert Douglas, Arch Johnson, David White as Commissioner James Deane, and Ken Lynch. It's a solid ensemble of reliable character actors who bring real grit to the story.
What role does corruption play in The Lawbreakers?
Corruption is central to the film's tension. The police commissioner isn't just chasing criminals — he's also fighting rot within his own department and city government. This dual battle gives The Lawbreakers a layer of institutional cynicism that elevates it beyond a standard crime thriller.
Who directed The Lawbreakers?
The Lawbreakers was directed by Joseph M. Newman, a versatile Hollywood filmmaker known for his work across crime, science fiction, and adventure genres. Newman brings a tight, efficient hand to this 79-minute crime drama, keeping the tension coiled throughout.
What is the significance of the syndicate double-cross?
The double-cross is the engine driving the entire plot. A group of insiders attempts to steal from the very criminal organization they serve, setting off a chain of violence and betrayal. It's a classic noir setup — greed, desperation, and the near-impossible odds of outsmarting organized crime.
What are similar movies to The Lawbreakers?
If you enjoy The Lawbreakers, you'll likely appreciate Angels with Dirty Faces (1938), The Big Combo (1955), Cry of the City (1948), The Undercover Man (1949), and Johnny O'Clock (1947). These films share the same noir atmosphere, crime syndicate themes, and morally complex characters.
Who wrote the screenplay for The Lawbreakers?
The screenplay was written by Paul Monash and W.R. Burnett. Burnett is a particularly notable name — he wrote the novel Little Caesar and contributed to classic crime films like The Asphalt Jungle, bringing deep genre expertise to The Lawbreakers.
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