This is one of the weirder gangster films of its era, as the last half of the film goes in one of the oddest directions I have ever seen--and I've seen practically every film made by Edward G. Robinson and the rest of the "Warner regulars" who made these type of films.
The first half or so is pretty conventional, as Robinson is the head of a mob (no big surprise) and after he retires, he gets the itch to once again return to a life of crime. So far, so good. However, after the hoods he left him in control try to rub him out, he hides out in a monastery! And, he re-names himself "Brother Orchid" and sees these gentle souls as a bunch of chumps! Now that, and the particularly exciting finale all make this a definite departure from the norm. While not 100% successful (it did seem a bit preachy and very tough to believe), I admire the studio for at least trying to take a chance and create something unique. Plus, good acting, a light and fun mood and brisk direction by Lloyd Bacon make this a film well worth seeing.
The first half or so is pretty conventional, as Robinson is the head of a mob (no big surprise) and after he retires, he gets the itch to once again return to a life of crime. So far, so good. However, after the hoods he left him in control try to rub him out, he hides out in a monastery! And, he re-names himself "Brother Orchid" and sees these gentle souls as a bunch of chumps! Now that, and the particularly exciting finale all make this a definite departure from the norm. While not 100% successful (it did seem a bit preachy and very tough to believe), I admire the studio for at least trying to take a chance and create something unique. Plus, good acting, a light and fun mood and brisk direction by Lloyd Bacon make this a film well worth seeing.