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Blackmail (1939 film)
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Wikipedia article
'Blackmail' is a 1939 crime drama film directed by H. C. Potter and starring Edward G. Robinson.
Plot
John Ingram is a highly successful oil-field firefighter and a family man. It is a contented life, he has even bought his own oil well in hope of striking it rich. His greatest fears are realized, however, when a man, William Ramey, from his secret past sees Ingram in a newsreel and shows up looking for a job.
Ramey attempts to blackmail Ingram, who had run from a chain gang years ago, and began a new life under an assumed name. After a shady deal is made, Ingram is tricked and Ramey turns him into authorities, who return him to a chain gang. Ramey subsequently becomes a very rich man.
When Ingram finds out about the success of the man who betrayed him, he plans a daring escape in an attempt to return home and get revenge.
Ramey has successfully run Ingram's business in his absence;but only because no emergencies have arisen that would require
Ingram's special knowledge.
As fate would have it, the escaped Ingram arrives at the plant just as a major oil fire breaks out.
Overpowering Ramey, Ingram slowly drags him towards the heart of the blaze;hinting that unless Ramey makes a full confession;
he will do nothing to save them.
A frightened Ramey agrees. Ingram douses the oil fire, and is eventually restored to his former position of respectability.
Cast
* Edward G. Robinson as John R. Ingram, an alias of John Harrington
* Ruth Hussey as Helen Ingram
* Gene Lockhart as William Ramey
* Bobs Watson as Hank Ingram
* Guinn 'Big Boy' Williams as Moose McCarthy (as Guinn Williams)
* John Wray as Diggs
* Arthur Hohl as Rawlins
* Esther Dale as Sarah
* Frank Darien as Watchman (uncredited)
* Robert Homans as Cooper (uncredited)
* Ethan Laidlaw as Oil Worker (uncredited)
* Harry Tenbrook as Truck Driver (uncredited)
See also
* 'Cool Hand Luke' is a 1967 American prison drama film
* 'Hellfighters' is a 1968 American action film starring John Wayne
References
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