28 Pre-Noir Films from TSPDT
28 titles
- 1
MidnightMovie · 1934 · 76mDuring Ethel Saxon's trial, jury foreman Edward Weldon's doubts contribute to her conviction. Shortly before Saxon is scheduled to be executed by electric chair, her daughter Stella confesses to killing Saxon's lover, the gangster Garboni.IMDb 5.6TMDB 4.8 - 2
The RacketMovie · 1928 · 84m · Crime, DramaA determined police captain relentlessly pursues a brutal mob boss. He faces many obstacles in his pursuit, escalating the tension between them to a final confrontation that challenges justice and morality. The film vividly portrays the dark side of city crime, exploring power, corruption, and revenge. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2016, this gritty story follows one man's unwavering quest for retribution and its consequences.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.5 - 3
MMovie · 1931 · 109m · Drama, Thriller, CrimeSet in 1930s Berlin, this intense German thriller follows the city's descent into fear as a serial killer targets children. Hans Beckert, chillingly portrayed, begins a violent series of attacks, prompting the police and criminal world to desperately hunt him. The film explores morality and societal breakdown as Berlin struggles with chaos caused by Beckert’s crimes. As Beckert finds himself isolated even among criminals, the audience witnesses a disturbing exploration of the pursuit of justice. With its evocative visuals and strong performances, this classic thriller continues to captivate audiences.IMDb 8.3TMDB 8.1 - 4
ThunderboltMovie · 1929 · 91mThunderbolt, a notorious criminal, is imprisoned and awaiting execution. A framed innocent man, Bob Moran, is placed in his cell. Unaware of Thunderbolt's connection to the woman he loves, Moran develops feelings for her. Thunderbolt desperately hopes to delay his own execution long enough to kill Moran for pursuing his love.IMDb 6.4TMDB 5.6 - 5
The Roaring TwentiesMovie · 1939 · 104m · Crime, Drama, ThrillerThis stark drama follows three friends in post-World War I America as their lives diverge amidst crime, business, and complicated relationships. Lloyd Hart, a former lawyer, becomes entangled in illegal activities while defending his childhood friend Eddie Bartlett, now a cab driver turned bootlegger trying to survive. George Hally, a former saloon owner, enters the dangerous world of bootlegging out of necessity and ambition. As their criminal ventures grow, so do conflicts fueled by love and rivalry, testing their friendship and leading them toward serious repercussions.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.5 - 6
The Beast of the CityMovie · 1932 · 86mPolice Chief Jim Fitzpatrick is hunting gangster Sam Belmonte. He enlists his police detective brother Ed to keep an eye on Daisy, who has ties to Belmonte, but their efforts take an unexpected turn.IMDb 6.7TMDB 5.9 - 7
The Petrified ForestMovie · 1936 · 82m · Crime, Drama, RomanceIn a remote Arizona town, a local diner offers refuge for those seeking something more. Gabby, a waitress with aspirations beyond her small town, finds comfort in her familiar life but longs for change. Then Alan, a wandering intellectual with no possessions, arrives.
Gabby and Alan connect, finding a bond that defies their surroundings. Their connection is shattered when Duke Mantee, a dangerous killer, and his gang take over the diner, holding everyone inside hostage. Trapped overnight, the hostages face a desperate fight for survival in the harsh desert.
As time passes, the unlikely group must work together to escape their captors, each hiding secrets that could jeopardize their freedom. This suspenseful story blends drama and hope, examining how people persevere when facing impossible circumstances.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.1 - 8
UnderworldMovie · 1927 · 87m · Drama, Crime, RomanceIn a world of rising crime and shifting loyalties, Bull Weed is a powerful and unpredictable gangster. He tries to reconnect with his former lawyer, now struggling with alcohol, hoping to recapture their old bond.
But as they navigate the dangerous world of organized crime together, a complicated romance blossoms between the lawyer and Bull's girlfriend. This forbidden love puts their lives in jeopardy, challenging their friendship and loyalty.
The film balances drama and dark humor, exploring the complexities of relationships where trust is fragile. The story questions the nature of love and how it can lead us astray.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.0 - 9
Bullets or BallotsMovie · 1936 · 82m · Crime, DramaPolice Captain Dan McLaren is unexpectedly promoted to commissioner, setting off a chain of political conflicts. Former detective Johnny Blake publicly confronts McLaren, drawing the attention of Al Kruger, a powerful crime boss who believes Blake wants to join his organization. But informant "Bugs" Fenner doubts Blake's intentions and seeks to expose the truth. The escalating tension reveals that loyalty and trust are rare in a world where alliances can shift quickly.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.6 - 10
Pépé le MokoMovie · 1937 · 94m · Drama, Crime, RomanceIn the maze-like streets of Algiers' Casbah, Pépé le Moko, a French criminal on the run, finds refuge in the city's anonymity. His life changes when he meets Gaby, a captivating Parisian tourist who becomes lost in the neighborhood. Drawn to her charm, Pépé falls in love, sparking a dangerous romance that threatens to destroy their lives. Their passionate affair forces them to play a risky game of hide-and-seek, navigating desire and freedom in a seductive and perilous setting.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.2 - 11
Blind AlleyMovie · 1939 · 69mA gangster takes a doctor and his family hostage.IMDb 6.4TMDB 5.7 - 12
You and MeMovie · 1938 · 94m · Crime, Romance, Comedy"Mr. Morris" is a story set in a busy department store, about second chances, love, and lies. Mr. Morris, the owner, hires recently paroled ex-convicts as sales clerks. Helen Roberts and Joe Dennis are among them, and they struggle with love and money while working there.
They marry, but Helen's past comes back to haunt them, revealing a deception that threatens their relationship. Hurt and disillusioned, Joe returns to his old gang and plans a robbery at the store where he found hope.
"Mr. Morris" is an emotional story about flaws, forgiveness, love, loyalty, and redemption when facing hardship.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.5 - 13
BordertownMovie · 1935 · 90mA driven Mexican-American man becomes entangled with the anxious wife of his employer in the casino business.IMDb 6.6TMDB 5.9 - 14
You Only Live OnceMovie · 1937 · 86m · Crime, Drama, Romance"Eddie Taylor" is a story inspired by Bonnie and Clyde, following Eddie as he tries to find justice while living as an outlaw. After prison, Eddie is wrongly accused of murder and flees with his wife Joan and baby. They face law enforcement and enemies, forcing them into a dangerous life. What starts as survival becomes a descent into crime, testing Eddie's morals and revealing to Joan that a peaceful life might be impossible. The film explores love, loyalty, and redemption amidst relentless pursuit and the consequences of their actions.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.1 - 15
FuryMovie · 1936 · 92m · Crime, DramaJoe, a quiet gas station owner, travels to his fiancée Katherine's hometown for pre-wedding time. His peaceful visit turns chaotic when local police mistakenly arrest him as a notorious kidnapper.
Wrongfully imprisoned, Joe struggles to navigate the legal system and prove his innocence. He meets a variety of people, each with hidden agendas, forcing him to question everyone's true nature, including his own.
The film examines loyalty, trust, and determination when Joe's life is unexpectedly upended. This drama highlights the strength of the human spirit and the importance of fighting for justice, even when facing overwhelming obstacles.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.4 - 16
The Public EnemyMovie · 1931 · 84m · Crime, DramaSet in 1920s Chicago, this crime drama follows Tom Powers and Matt Doyle as they rise through the city's criminal ranks, starting with petty theft and bootlegging. Their growing wealth and reputation draw the attention of both rival gangs and the police.
Tom struggles to reconcile his family loyalty with his increasing involvement in crime, becoming caught in a dangerous cycle of violence and betrayal. Pressured by gangs, the police, and his own conscience, he faces a breaking point where his loyalties are tested and lives are at stake. The film explores the dark appeal of crime and the devastating consequences of a life of violence, as one man fights to hold onto his humanity amidst the chaos.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.2 - 17
Marked WomanMovie · 1937 · 96m · Crime, Drama, ThrillerIn the dangerous world of New York City's organized crime, a strong-willed woman challenges one of Manhattan's most powerful mob bosses. Her fight to stand up to him creates conflict between rival gangs and destabilizes the city's power structure. This gripping drama reveals the layers of lies and betrayal hidden beneath the city's vibrant facade, examining themes of strength, ethics, and the power of resistance when facing immense challenges.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.5 - 18
The Green CockatooMovie · 1937 · 65mA young woman journeys to London in search of employment. Upon arriving at the station, she encounters a man who has been stabbed, the victim of a gang connected to illegal greyhound racing. Suddenly a suspect, she escapes the scene to deliver a message to the deceased man's brother. A nightclub entertainer shields her from the police, and she discovers he is the very person she needs to find.IMDb 5.9TMDB 5.8 - 19
The ScoundrelMovie · 1935 · 76mA notoriously ruthless and unlikeable publisher dies in a plane crash, destined to remain a restless spirit due to his lack of affection in life. A heavenly entity grants him one month back on Earth. His only chance to avoid eternal restlessness is to find someone who genuinely sheds a tear for him.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.2 - 20
La Bête HumaineMovie · 1938 · 98m · Drama, Romance, ThrillerSet in the French port city of Le Havre, this drama explores the lives of Jacques Lantier, a troubled railway worker; Roubard, a dishonest stationmaster; and Séverine, Roubard's mysterious wife. A train journey brings these individuals together, sparking a series of events that challenge their values and force them to confront their pasts.
As secrets are revealed and tensions rise, the film examines guilt, betrayal, and the potential for personal transformation in difficult circumstances. The film's visuals highlight the stark beauty of the French countryside, while the complex relationships between the characters create a feeling of intense closeness. This is a compelling story about the intricacies of human nature and how unexpected connections can profoundly alter our lives.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.1 - 21
The Glass KeyMovie · 1935 · 78mSuccessful politician Paul Madvig is locked in a ruthless struggle for control of the city. When Madvig becomes suspected of murder, his close friend and aide, Ed Beaumont, is forced to choose between loyalty and his own conscience.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.4 - 22
I Am a Fugitive from a Chain GangMovie · 1932 · 92m · Drama, CrimeA young architect's promising life is destroyed by the aftermath of World War I. Economic hardship forces him to abandon his ambitions for a less fulfilling job. His hopes dwindle when he's wrongly convicted of a crime and sent to work as a convict. There, he faces brutal conditions and must battle overwhelming hardship in his struggle to hold onto his dreams.IMDb 8.2TMDB 7.8 - 23
ScarfaceMovie · 1932 · 93mChicago, 1920s. Antonio "Tony" Camonte, known as Scarface, is an Italian immigrant and a ruthless gangster who climbs the ranks of organized crime while trying to shield his sister from the dangerous world he inhabits.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.4 - 24
Fugitive LadyMovie · 1934 · 66mThis thriller follows a young woman who marries a charming man, unaware that he is secretly a jewel thief.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.0 - 25
City StreetsMovie · 1931 · 83m · Crime, Drama, RomanceA young woman involved in her father's criminal life brings her boyfriend, a circus performer, into the world of bootlegging. The film explores the complicated relationship between the couple as they navigate the dangerous Prohibition era. Tension builds with each choice, threatening their love. This drama examines loyalty, betrayal, and the lengths people will go to protect those they love.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.2 - 26
Port of ShadowsMovie · 1938 · 93m · Romance, Drama, CrimeIn a foggy world, Jean travels a lonely road to the port city of Le Havre, hoping for a new beginning after deserting the army. His life as a deserter leads him into a complicated situation where fate plays a significant role. Jean's actions – driven by revenge, justice, and compassion – unexpectedly make him a well-known figure.
This story explores themes of redemption, decisions, and destiny, set against a city full of both possibilities and danger. Told with a thoughtful and captivating style, the film invites audiences to consider what it means to start over and find meaning in life.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.4 - 27
RioMovie · 1939 · 77mFrench businessman Paul Reynard's life changes drastically when he's arrested for forgery and embezzlement. He's sentenced to a penal colony in South America, leaving his wife of a year, Irene, behind.IMDb 6.2TMDB 4.9 - 28
Little CaesarMovie · 1931 · 79m · Drama, Crime, ActionThis crime thriller charts the rapid ascent of a driven but ruthless small-time criminal. He uses his intelligence and skill with a gun to climb the ranks of organized crime, facing increasingly formidable rivals. The film examines power, loyalty, and the relentless drive for personal gain within a dangerous world where trust is rare and violence is constant. Ultimately, it asks whether this antihero can maintain his position at the top or if he will be consumed by the consequences of his choices.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.9
