Dark Hazard

Dark Hazard, a 1934 Warner Bros production directed by Alfred E. Green, stars Edward G. Robinson, Genevieve Tobin, and Glenda Farrell. This pre-Code drama, based on the intriguing novel of the same title by W.R. Burnett, unflinchingly examines the highs and lows of ambition, risk-taking, and compulsive gambling. Striking a balance of grit and flair typical of 1930s cinema, the film showcases remarkable performances by its stellar cast as they navigate the turbulent waters of love, addiction, and morality.

Edward G. Robinson commandeers the screen as Jim 'Buck' Turner, the film's flawed protagonist. A natural risk-taker with a gambling addiction, Turner is a former harness racing champion who's resigned to a more mundane life as an automobile salesman in Los Angeles. Turner is eager to settle down when he meets and marries the lovely and charming Marge Mayhew, played by Genevieve Tobin.

Tobin's role as Marge is a complex one – she is deeply in love with Turner but equally committed to unwinding his gambling obsessions. Over the course of the film, she struggles to reconcile her vision of a peaceful domestic life with the reality of her husband's perilous habits. The chemistry between Robinson and Tobin paints a vivid and engaging portrait of a marriage grappling with the harsh complexities inherent in a life beset by addiction.

Adding another dimension to this tangled web is Glenda Farrell in the role of Valerie Wilson. A flirtatious society woman who clearly takes a liking to Turner, Valerie is a frequent guest at the racetrack, matching Turner's taste for betting and thrill-seeking.

The movie's titular character, Dark Hazard, named after W.R. Burnett's novel, is a greyhound that Turner wins in a card game. Despite its breed's reputation for racing speed, Dark Hazard initially appears sullen and disinterested in the sport. However, Turner's gambler instinct kicks in, and he sees potential in the dog, convinced that he can morph the malaise-ridden canine into a top racer. This greyhound becomes a symbol of Turner's ambition and hope, embodying his dreams of striking it rich through luck and cunning.

Director Alfred E. Green adeptly handles this compelling narrative, weaving a complex tapestry of desperation and desire against the backdrop of the American Dream. Green is known for his nuanced storytelling and is credited with other popular works during the pre-Code Hollywood era. He expertly navigates the themes of greed, ambition, addiction, and love, speaking volumes about the zeitgeist of the 1930s.

Visually, the film is evocative, providing a gritty yet glamorous glimpse into the world of dog racing. The cinematography perfectly captures the frenzy and allure of the racetrack, amplifying the appeal it holds for Turner. It offers an intriguing contrast between the affluent world of high-stakes gamblers and the domestic bliss Turner's wife strives to establish for them.

A hallmark of the pre-Code era, Dark Hazard spares no effort in exploring mature and bold themes. It refuses to sugar-coat the destruction that compulsive gambling can wreak on lives and relationships. Likewise, it pulls no punches in depicting the lengths to which people might go in their pursuit of fortune and thrill.

On the whole, Dark Hazard is far from a feel-good experience but promises a ride filled with emotional ups and downs. This character-driven drama is a deep exploration of human frailty and strength, unraveling the volatile blend of addiction and ambition. With a power-packed performance by Edward G. Robinson and impactful roles from Genevieve Tobin and Glenda Farrell, this movie remains a classic of the 1930s film industry, memorable for its raw and riveting portrayal of a man's battle with his own desires. This movie is definitely a must-watch for fans of Edward G. Robinson and classic cinema.