Copyright 7 February 1930 by Paramount Pictures. New York opening: 3 February 1930. Running time: 75 minutes.
COMMENT: Regis Toomey looks much like his usual self in production stills, but in the movie itself, so cleverly is he made up, and so adroit is his performance, he is actually hard to recognize. No wonder that nonetheless, he easily, and breezily, steals this picture. The other players, including such assets as Kay Francis (who plays Toomey's wife) and Jean Arthur struggle nobly with an over-talkative script that moves rather slowly. Fortunately, director John Cromwell gives life to a great deal of the action.
Despite its 1930 release date, "Street of Chance" comes across as a true film noir (in every respect of that word). In fact, the ironic plot (in which the plans of William Powell's Natural Davis both succeed and fail) is coupled with one of the most downbeat endings ever filmed.
Despite its 1930 release date, "Street of Chance" comes across as a true film noir (in every respect of that word). In fact, the ironic plot (in which the plans of William Powell's Natural Davis both succeed and fail) is coupled with one of the most downbeat endings ever filmed.