The Devil Diamond

The Devil Diamond is a compelling and thoroughly entertaining movie from 1937 that unabashedly enmeshes elements of crime, drama, and mystery. Directed by Les Goodwins, the film showcases brilliant performances from Frankie Darro, Kane Richmond, and June Gale, who bring their characters to life with enthralling dynamism.

The narrative largely revolves around the concept of lust for power, wealth, and the perils that invariably accompany them. Darting between shadowed corners and brightly lit stages, the film plays out like a beautifully choreographed ballet of tension and relief. While the film traces many of the staples of the genre – stolen gems, dubious characters, and an enigmatic fair lady – it does so with enough ingenuity to keep the viewers on their toes, and sprinkles in unexpected twists and turns that keep the plot far from predictable.

Frankie Darro emerges as the focal point of the film with his role as Jerry Cummings, a young, quick-witted journalist. Darro's portrayal feels real and grounded, breathing stunning authenticity into Jerry's ambitious and audacious character that aspires to make it big in his career. However, his path crosses with a perturbing mystery tied to a cursed gemstone, the Devil Diamond, which is alleged to bring misfortune to whoever possesses it. Despite the hazards, it emerges as a beacon for those driven by ravenous greed and leads the narrative through a labyrinth of double crosses and deception.

Kane Richmond plays Barry Blake, a seasoned policeman hardened by the violence and corruption he has seen during his years on the job. Whilst rigid in his duty, he still harbors an underlying hope for justice and balance in the world, further intrigued by the enchanting allure of the Devil Diamond. Richmond plays Blake convincingly, cementing his status as a pivotal character in the film. His slow-burning chemistry with June Gale's character adds an undercurrent of romance, making the narrative multidimensional.

June Gale stars as Judy Parker, a striking cabaret singer who is caught in the vicious cycle of deception and betrayal around the Devil Diamond. Her character is strong and equally elusive, and Gale pulls off a flawless performance, managing to maintain an air of mystery throughout the movie while creating enough empathy among the viewers.

But the true nerve-center of the story is the Devil Diamond itself. Not merely a prop, the cursed gem is a character in its own right, a silent but potent protagonist around which the plot swirls. It’s this subtlety that makes the film so enticing. The titular Devil Diamond, spectacular in its brilliance yet sinister in its effect, is beautifully represented in the film, as it binds the narrative and draws the audience deeper into the clutches of the thrilling plot.

The cinematography of The Devil Diamond is iconic, bearing the classic aesthetics of the 1930s Hollywood noir. Dark alleys, smoky nightclubs, and grim police stations create an ambience that feed the suspense and tension in the film. The director uses light and shadow to incredible effect, heightening the dramatic moments and underlining the emotional beats.

A film of this era wouldn’t be complete without moments of comic relief, and here those moments are perfectly dispersed, with Darro often at their center. While the comedic bits may seem light and frothy on the surface, they play a vital role in the movie, effectively breaking up its heavier moments with much needed levity.

The Devil Diamond is a classic tale of ambition, deception, and the human penchant for risk and danger. It stands as a testament to the creative heights of 1930s Hollywood, offering viewers a thrilling ride teetering on the edge of suspense with a generous infusion of humor and romance. Its multi-layered plot, compelling characters, and stunning visuals combine to make it an intriguing watch, as enthralling today as it would have been on its debut more than eight decades ago.