The Big Shakedown

The Big Shakedown is a 1934 drama film directed by John Francis Dillon and starring Charles Farrell, Bette Davis, and Ricardo Cortez. The film follows the story of a young lawyer named Kent (Farrell) who becomes entangled in a web of corruption and deceit when he takes on a case involving a powerful and wealthy businessman named J.B. "Honest John" Merrick (Cortez).

Kent is an idealistic and ambitious lawyer who is looking to make a name for himself in the cutthroat world of law. When he is approached by Merrick to defend him in a lawsuit, he eagerly accepts the offer, not realizing that he is getting into a situation that is far more complicated than he ever imagined.

Merrick is a shrewd businessman who has built up a vast empire through a series of questionable business practices. He is being sued by a group of small business owners who claim that he has illegally monopolized their trade and is driving them out of business. Merrick insists that he is innocent and that he is simply a victim of a smear campaign by his rivals.

As Kent delves deeper into the case, he begins to uncover evidence that suggests that Merrick is indeed guilty of the charges against him. He discovers that Merrick has been using illegal and unethical tactics to maintain his stranglehold on the market, including bribing public officials and sabotaging the businesses of his competitors.

Despite the mounting evidence against him, Merrick refuses to back down and insists that he is innocent. Kent finds himself caught in the middle of a power struggle between Merrick and his rivals, each of whom is trying to gain the upper hand by using any means necessary.

Along the way, Kent falls in love with Merrick's secretary, Marcia (Davis), who is also caught up in the web of corruption and deceit. Together, they struggle to find a way to bring Merrick to justice without getting caught in the crossfire.

The Big Shakedown is a fast-paced and tense drama that offers a snapshot of life during a turbulent time in American history. It is a story of greed, ambition, and the corrupting influence of power, and it offers a cautionary tale about the dangers of following the wrong path.

The film features strong performances from its lead actors, particularly Charles Farrell as the earnest and likeable Kent. Bette Davis, in one of her early roles, delivers a solid performance as Marcia, the conflicted and vulnerable secretary who finds herself torn between her loyalty to Merrick and her growing feelings for Kent.

Ricardo Cortez is also excellent as Merrick, portraying the character with a mix of charm, menace, and desperation that makes him both charismatic and terrifying.

Overall, The Big Shakedown is a well-crafted and engaging drama that is sure to appeal to fans of classic Hollywood films. With its themes of corruption and morality, it remains a timely and relevant story that speaks to the issues of today.