Let 'Em Have It

'Let 'Em Have It' is an energetic and engaging crime drama-mystery film released in 1935. The film is directed by Sam Wood, a skillful director, known for his impactful snapshots of American life. The movie features Richard Arlen, Virginia Bruce, and Alice Brady and has a robust storyline, driven by exceptional performance, intrigue, and action.

The film follows the main character, Richard Arlen playing the role of 'Buddy,' an amiable and high-spirited young man who gets unintentionally intertwined in the complex and intriguing world of crime and law enforcement. As the narrative evolves, viewers get to glimpse his vivid transformation from a naive and unsuspecting bystander to an active participant fighting for justice.

Virginia Bruce assumes the role of Eleanor, who serves as a charming love interest of Buddy, adding a romantic subplot to the high-stakes primary narrative. Their chemistry further enriches the plot, pulling viewers into the intriguing development of their relationship amidst complicated circumstances.

Alice Brady shouldered the important role of 'Ma' Belle, a dynamic character with her own unique dimension to add to the grandeur of the narrative. The depth and diversity in her character bring in more layers to the plot, making the story more captivating.

The narrative begins ordinarily enough, only to turn unexpectedly into a tailor of a crime drama. The suddenly darker undertones are expertly navigated by the director, Sam Wood, who artfully layers plot progression, character development, and engaging dialogue to create a gripping masterpiece.

The film's central plot revolves around an unusual tier of gangsters and law enforcement organizations, and Buddy's inexplicable entry into this domain. Despite not being a central player in the criminal landscape or affiliated with law enforcement, he gets inadvertently drawn into the entire racket. Pursued by both sides for different reasons, Buddy must navigate this treacherous path with unmatched bravery and wit.

Even as the narrative proceeds in its dark undertones, humor isn't left far behind, added cleverly and tastefully in the form of lighthearted banter between characters and witty one-liners that add warmth and light-hearted moments in an otherwise intense narrative.

A blend of action and intense drama is broken up by subtle romance and humor, making 'Let 'Em Have It' not just a crime drama but a rich tapestry of emotions. The film does a commendable job managing these shifting tones, offering viewers unparalleled entertainment. It truly gives the audience a well-rounded experience, providing glimpses of love, loyalty, courage, deceit, and pursuit of justice in its 61-minutes runtime.

The cinematography and lighting techniques employed in 'Let 'Em Have It' are excellent for their era, creating the appropriate mood and ambiance for each scene. The film artfully showcases a multitude of scenes from high-energy chase sequences to more intimate, poignant moments – each shot to perfection.

The robust screenplay of the film brilliantly unites it all, making 'Let 'Em Have It' a fascinating watch. The dialogue is smooth and effectively positions each character, their goals, and their mindsets without courting clichés. It promotes the narrative seamlessly, carrying the right amount of suspense to keep the viewers on the edge of their seats throughout the film.

To accompany the gripping narrative and visual drama, a riveting soundtrack complements the film that enhances each unfolding scene, adding another layer of depth to the viewers' experience. The sound design manages to underline the action and regulate the rhythm of the narrative expertly.

Despite its release in the pristine era of early cinema, 'Let 'Em Have It' embraces some progressive themes and breaks several traditional molds. Its vibrant characters, intriguing plot, and the melange of action, suspense, and humor make it a classic film worth revisiting. Fans of vintage cinema and crime dramas would find this 1935's film a delightful step back in time.