Quick Millions (1931)

Quick Millions (1931)

“Racketeering is just getting what the other guy’s got — in a nice way.”

Synopsis:
An ambitious trucker (Spencer Tracy) rises to power and becomes notorious racketeer “Bugs Raymond”.

Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:

  • Gangsters
  • George Raft Films
  • Rise-and-Fall
  • Social Climbers
  • Spencer Tracy Films

Review:
Long out of circulation (though it shows up occasionally on television), Quick Millions is primarily known today as the feature debut of Rowland Brown, notorious director of Blood Money (1933). Unlike its more famous counterpart, however, Quick Millions is a disappointment: it possesses only a few moments of inspired direction, and suffers from a cliched, instantly forgettable plot. Ultimately, Quick Millions is only recommended for diehard fans of early gangsters flicks, and/or those curious to see Spencer Tracy in his first “legitimate” leading role.

Redeeming Qualities and Moments:

  • Spencer Tracy as the “guy with a one-ton brain who’s too nervous to steal and too lazy to work”
  • George Raft soft-shoeing to “Frankie and Johnny” at a party

Must See?
No, though it’s a must for Spencer Tracy fans.

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One thought on “Quick Millions (1931)

  1. Not a must.

    In total agreement here – so, nothing much to add. Standard stuff from the period. Some interesting moments and it gains some sort of momentum in the last ten minutes.

    ‘Blood Money’ is sooo much better!

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