711 Ocean Drive

711 Ocean Drive is a captivating American crime film from 1950, directed by Joseph M. Newman. The film boasts captivating performances by an accomplished cast, including Edmond O'Brien, Joanne Dru, and Otto Kruger. This movie spins audiences into an underworld of crime and treachery during the early years of the burgeoning gambling industry.

Set against the backdrop of Los Angeles, the story follows the life of Edmond O'Brien's character, Mal Granger - a modest but ingenious telephone lineman turned illicit bookmaker who leverages his technical know-how to climb the ranks in the mob-infused world of illegal betting.

The film showcases Mal Granger’s meteoric rise from a working-class telephone repairman to the pinnacle of a criminal empire. Granger, who discovered a way to upgrade bookie operations for the era’s burgeoning gambling industry, possesses a deep understanding of electronics. He applies this intelligence to enhance the operations of an off-track betting scam, making him quite an asset in his new world. His technical prowess propels him from a humble start fixing telephone lines to a man ensnared in the notorious and dangerous underworld.

His work initially attracts the eyes of bookie Chippie Evans (Sammy White), but his talent soon reaches the mob bosses. Notably, Otto Kruger's character, Carl Stephans, a debonair yet dangerous racketeer, takes a particular interest in Granger. Stephans recognizes Granger’s worth, and ushers Granger deeper into the world of organized crime. Their burgeoning partnership results in a booming bookie operation that quickly climbs the ladder of success, spanning from California to New York.

As Granger expands his criminal turf, he also encounters Joanne Dru's character, Gail Mason. Serving as a romantic interest and moral compass in the plot, Gail, a telephone operator at the telephone company that Granger once worked, tempts Granger with a potential escape from his life of crime. However, tangled in the knot of illegalities, can Granger ever return to the innocence from which he began?

Apart from an enrapturing storyline, the film is lauded for its meticulous portrayal of the bookmaking business, offering audiences an authentic peek into the workings of a racket. The film uses real Los Angeles locations such as the iconic Hollywood Park race track, contributing to the verisimilitude and grounding the narrative in a recognizable world.

The film is not only an exciting mob thriller but also a cautionary tale about the dangers insidious ambition can lead to. The once humble telephone repairman loses himself in the glitz and glamor, becoming the very monster he once held at a distance. In his quest for power and wealth, Granger becomes increasingly ruthless, losing touch with his moral compass as he descends further into the abyss of organized crime.

A standout feature of the movie is the electrifying performance of Edmond O'Brien. His portrayal of Mal Granger is both captivating and tangible, allowing audiences to empathize with him despite his morally questionable decisions. Joanne Dru's character, Gail Mason, graces the movie with a humanized and emotional performance, serving as a ray of hope amidst the sea of decadence. Otto Kruger, as the menacing mob boss Carl Stephens, also shines and strikes fear into the hearts of the viewers with his cold yet charismatic performance.

Furthermore, 711 Ocean Drive is enriched by its intelligent script and gripping narration. Black and white cinematography intensify the ambiance of intrigue and give the film its film noir characteristics. From the first frames till the closing scenes, the movie features excellent production values and striking visual cues and scenes, adding to the overall cinematic experience.

In summary, 711 Ocean Drive provides a breathtaking ride into the dark underworld of the 1950s illegal gambling scene. The movie cleverly combines film noir elements with organized crime cliches to provide a riveting narrative while also delivering important moral lessons about unchecked ambition and the price of fast-tracked success. Deliciously dark and ensnaring, the film is worth watching for those interested in vintage crime dramas.