| Blackmail | |
|---|---|
_poster.jpg) Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | H. C. Potter |
| Written by | Endre Bohem Dorothy Yost |
| Screenplay by | David Hertz William Ludwig |
| Produced by | John W. Considine Jr. |
| Starring | Edward G. Robinson Ruth Hussey Gene Lockhart |
| Cinematography | Clyde De Vinna |
| Edited by | Howard O'Neill |
| Music by | David Snell Edward Ward |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer |
Release date |
|
Running time | 81 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Blackmail is a 1939 American crime drama film directed by H. C. Potter and starring Edward G. Robinson, Ruth Hussey and Gene Lockhart.[1]
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.
