Parole Fixer (1940)
A sharp, FBI-endorsed crime drama exposing the corrupt lawyers who game the parole system to free dangerous criminals.
Parole Fixer - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1940
- Directed by: Robert Florey
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Crime, Drama
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 8m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 2, 1940 (United States - NR)
- Production Companies: Paramount Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Parole Fixer - Plot
This expose of the U.S. parole system, as seen through the eyes of FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, takes dead aim on lawyers who manipulate the justice system in order to get undeserving convicts parole from prisons. The point is made when FBI agents are assigned to track down "Big Boy" Bradmore, who after getting an undeserved parole, via the efforts of a shyster lawyer, promptly murders an FBI agent.
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Parole Fixer - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Robert Florey
Main Cast
- William Henry
- Virginia Dale
- Robert Paige
- Gertrude Michael
- Richard Denning
- Fay Helm
- Anthony Quinn
- Harvey Stephens
- Marjorie Gateson
- Charlotte Wynters
Writers
- Horace McCoy
- William R. Lipman
Producers
- Edward T. Lowe Jr.
Parole Fixer - FAQs
Is Parole Fixer based on a true story?
Yes, Parole Fixer draws directly from real FBI case files. The film is presented as a true story endorsed by J. Edgar Hoover himself, who served as FBI Director at the time. It dramatizes actual abuses within the U.S. parole system, where corrupt lawyers secured early releases for dangerous criminals.
What role does J. Edgar Hoover play in Parole Fixer?
J. Edgar Hoover doesn't appear as a character but serves as the film's framing authority. The story is told through his perspective as FBI Director, lending the narrative an air of official credibility. His endorsement was a common promotional device in crime films of the era, signaling the story's real-world grounding.
Who are the main actors in Parole Fixer?
The cast features William Henry, Virginia Dale, Robert Paige, and Gertrude Michael in leading roles. Richard Denning, Fay Helm, and a notably young Anthony Quinn also appear, with Quinn playing the menacing "Big Boy" Bradmore. Harvey Stephens, Marjorie Gateson, and Charlotte Wynters round out the ensemble.
What is Parole Fixer about?
Parole Fixer exposes corruption in the American parole system, focusing on unscrupulous lawyers who manipulate the courts to free dangerous criminals. When a convict named "Big Boy" Bradmore secures an undeserved parole and murders an FBI agent, federal investigators are dispatched to bring him and his enablers to justice.
Who directed Parole Fixer?
Parole Fixer was directed by Robert Florey, a French-born filmmaker who built a prolific Hollywood career throughout the 1930s and 1940s. Known for his efficient, atmospheric style, Florey was a natural fit for the fast-paced crime programmers that studios like Paramount regularly produced during this period.
When was Parole Fixer released?
Parole Fixer was released on February 2, 1940, in the United States. Produced by Paramount Pictures, it arrived during a golden era for Hollywood crime dramas, when studios frequently collaborated with law enforcement figures like J. Edgar Hoover to add authenticity and moral authority to their crime narratives.
How long is Parole Fixer?
Parole Fixer runs for 68 minutes, making it a tight, no-frills crime programmer typical of its era. Paramount Pictures regularly produced these compact features, designed to deliver punchy storytelling without overstaying their welcome. The brisk runtime keeps the tension focused and the pacing sharp throughout.
What are some movies similar to Parole Fixer?
If you enjoy Parole Fixer, you might also like On the Waterfront (1954), GoodFellas (1990), All the President's Men (1976), and I Want to Live! (1958). These films share a similar interest in crime, corruption, and the mechanics of justice, ranging from classic noir to hard-hitting social drama.
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