Archie Mayo and Michael Curtiz co-directed this hard-hitting drama that stars Humphrey Bogart as Frank Taylor, a machinist in a factory who loses a promotion to a "foreigner", and has his disappointment turn to bitter hatred when he is coaxed on by a co-worker(played by Joe Sawyer) to join a secretive organization called the Black Legion, which preaches violence against all foreigners. They resemble the Ku Klux Klan, and Frank gets sucked into this violent world, that turns him mean even to his own wife. When his friend and neighbor Ed Jackson(played by Dick Foran) becomes a target, Frank tries to get out, but it is too late... Compelling film is surprisingly potent for its time, and uncompromising in its content. A bit predictable and obvious at times, but remains most prescient and worthwhile viewing.
Review of Black Legion
