The third collection of Warner gangster films will no doubt please fans of the genre.

This third volume of Warner Brothers Gangster films consists of six lesser known titles starring the likes of Humphrey Bogart, James Cagney, and Edward G.Robinson. On the Bogart front, we have "Black Legion," which is a story about a white supremacist group. I have to say this is a very risque film for the time as it is a disturbing social drama that contains scenes of graphic destruction and violence that you would not expect. It is also an intriguing study about evil/hate and how it eats at one's soul. The other Bogart film in this set ("Brother Orchid") co-stars Edward G. Robinson. The story, which concerns a mob boss hiding out in a monestary, is essentially a light hearted spoof of the genre. While both Robinson and Bogart give stellar performances, I can't say the plot is anything to rave about. On the subject of Robinson, he stars in another film ("Smart Money") with James Cagney about illegal gambling barbers. Believe it or not, this is the only film in which the two star together and it is worth watching for that reason alone. Also, keep an eye out for a cameo by Boris Karloff.

The remaining 3 films of the set ("The Mayor Of Hell," "Picture Snatcher," and "Lady Killer") all star James Cagney. 'Mayor' is a melodramatic tale about a gangster helping reform school children from turning out like him. This is easily my least favorite of the six and is far too preachy for my taste. "Picture Snatcher" is a still relevant story of an ex-con who becomes a tabloid photographer. Cagney owns the screen in this film as his portrayal of a determined, boastful photographer seems all too real. Finally, there is "Lady Killer," which is the best of the lot. The plot revolves around an ex-criminal who makes his way into the movie biz. Along with"White Heat," this is one of Cagney's finest roles as he gives a layered performance. We see his character involved in a shoot out, having a romance, as well as seeing him acting in a variety of fake movies in the movie.

 

The fullscreen picture quality varies from movie to movie, but overall it is so-so. The PQ tends to be grainy, but these DVD transfers aren't half bad considering all of the film's age.

Black Legion:
* A 1 minute newsreel about gangsters.
* Trailers for "Black Legion" and "The Perfect Specimen."
* Commentary by Patricia King Hanson and Anthony Slide.
* An 11 minute musical short with Cab Calloway called "Hi De Ho."
* A 7 minute cartoon called "Porky And Gabby."
* A 17 minute short about the civil war titled "Under Southern Stars."

The Mayor Of Hell:
* A 1 1/2 minute newsreel about racketeers.
* Trailers for "The Mayor Of Hell," "Crime School," "Hell's Kitchen," and "The Kennel Murder Case."
* A 9 minute musical short called "The Audition."
* A 7 minute cartoon about a monkey called "The Organ Grinder."
* Commentary by Greg Mank.

Brother Orchid:
* Trailers for "Brother Orchid" and "It All Came True."
* A 1 1/2 minute newsreel about a horse race.
* 2 7 minute cartoons named "Busy Bakers" and "Slap Happy Pappy."
* "Henry Busse And His Orchestra" is a 10 minute musical short. How many of these did they make back then?
* Bogart and Robinson fans should listen to the commentary with biogrphers Eric Lax and Alan Gansberg as they provide loads of info.

Smart Money:
* "Big Man From The North" is an 8 minute animated short.
* A trailer for "Other Men's Women."
* A 26 second newsreel about Al Capone.
* Another musical short titled "George Jessel And His Russian Art Choir"(8:00).
* Commentary by Alain Silver and James Ursini.

Lady Killer:
* Trailers for "Lady Killer" and "Footlight Parade."
* A 1 1/2 minute newsreel about gangsters.
* A 7 minute cartoon called "The Shanty Where Santa Clause Lives." It's as bad as it sounds.
* A 10 1/2 minute short about film named "The Camera Speaks."
* What is "Kissing Time?" You guessed it, another musical short that runs an agonizing 22 minutes.
* Commentary by Dr. Drew Casper.

Picture Snatcher:
* Trailers for "Picture Snatcher," "Escape From Crime," and "I Loved A Woman."
* A 1 minute newsreel about Machine Gun Kelly.
* An 19 1/2 minute aviation musical short called "Plane Crazy."
* "Wake Up The Gypsy In Me" (7:30) is a cartoon.
* Last, but not least, there is a commentary track wih Jeffrey Vance and Tony Maietta.