Louis Wolheim delivers an excellent performance as the unsavory "Scarsi" in this gangster film. He and his associates dominate the city’s profitable illegal bootlegging and gambling operations, resorting to violence when persuasion or bribery fails—until Police Captain “McQuigg” (Thomas Meighan) appears on the scene. At first, the criminals hold all the power; through strategic political and judicial connections, "Scarsi" avoids trouble and even arranges for McQuigg to be transferred to a remote assignment where he can’t interfere. However, circumstances change when "Joe" (George E. Stone), the hoodlum's impetuous younger brother, is arrested for a fatal hit-and-run, triggering an intricate sting operation that offers a chance to finally dismantle the criminal organization. The narrative moves along at a solid pace, and there’s a compelling interplay between Wolheim, Meighan, and Helen Hayes, who shines as "Marie," the nightclub singer with aspirations and flexible morals—a woman whose actions become essential to their plan. The entire cast functions effectively, conveying a sense of menace, animosity, ambition, and greed; surprisingly, there’s even a subtle suggestion of integrity present. While the production feels somewhat constrained, with a noticeably theatrical appearance and often dim lighting, the quality of the writing and character development make it worthwhile seeing—preferably with live music if possible.

Source on TMDB