Edward G. Robinson, always a fine actor, was my main reason for seeing 'Bullets or Ballots'. Well the cast in general actually were the main reason, on top of Robinson there is also another screen icon Humphrey Bogart (pre-stardom and in his first of five collaborations with Robinson) and the always emminently watchable Joan Blondell. The story also sounded interesting, as one can guess good casts and concepts always attract me into seeing a film and tend to be my main reasons for watching (completest quests being another common reason).
While not a personal favourite, a masterpiece or career-highs for all involved, 'Bullets or Ballots' is still an entertaining, taut and well executed film. It does the cast justice on the most part, most in roles playing to their strengths, and makes the most of its premise and makes an interesting story out of it. A relief on both counts, as cast and concept wastes are pet peeves of mine and have come across both numerous times in my recent film viewings, some films managing to waste both. So there has always been a bit of nervousness before watching a film that sounds good on paper as a result.
'Bullets or Ballots' doesn't really do an awful lot wrong. It may not do anything new as such and may lack the surprise factor. Would have liked the length to have been longer, with the film veering on being too short.
Although Blondell gives her role feistiness and charm, she is given little to do and the character came over as underwritten. Frank McHugh is the comic relief, and while he does his best with what he has this aspect was not completely successful, not always coming over as very funny and it doesn't always add much.
However, Robinson is terrific and his role suits him perfectly with the intensity and authority nailed. The other cast standout is oily Barton MacLane and Bogart looms ominously. The characters are generally well handled, with a tough rootable lead and villains that pose a genuine threat. William Keighley's direction is not exceptional but it does do more than just getting the job done, showing someone in control.
Visually, 'Bullets or Ballots' is slick and stylish, while the pace is tight with little if any extraneous fat which does help make the story continually absorbing. The script crackles in tautness and is lean in content, provoking thought. The action crackles even more with some exciting moments, especially a climax that is the very meaning of scintillating.
Overall, good. 7/10 Bethany Cox
