Although some of the day's movie reviews lauded the fashions of Claudette Colbert and Lilyan Tashman, there is a lot of talent in this stellar cast.
Colbert has to juggle between being a hesitant scared under cover investigator and then moments later play a convincing at ease role with the underworld figures. Tashman has a significant amount of screen time too and she doesn't disappoint in her part either.
Melvyn Douglas starts out as a dashing crime buster, but he is soon framed and becomes a less important character as his friends try to save him from the apparently corrupt legal system.
Also good are William 'Stage' Boyd, Ross Alexander, Harry Davenport and surprise...surprise.. Franchot Tone in his first film role.
The plot may seem difficult to swallow at times but could be considered timely as there are similarities to the real life Seabury Commission of 1931. Those investigations uncovered significant corruption in New York courts and police, leading to the resignation of New York city mayor James Walker in 1932.
Without spoiling the plot, I must say that this is a very good pre-code drama. It is also rare, but if you get a chance to see it....take it!
