The Homicide Squad


1h 10m 1931

Film Details

Genre
Crime
Release Date
Sep 29, 1931
Premiere Information
not available
Production Company
Universal Pictures Corp.
Distribution Company
Universal Pictures Corp.
Country
United States
Screenplay Information
Based on the short story "The Mob" by Henry La Cossitt in Adventure (1 Oct 1928).

Technical Specs

Duration
1h 10m
Sound
Mono
Color
Black and White
Theatrical Aspect Ratio
1.37 : 1
Film Length
7 reels

Synopsis

Police captain Michael Buckley sends his policeman son Jimmy to infiltrate the mob headquarters of Big Louie Grenado, who maintains a candy store as a front for his illegal activities, to determine if Louie murdered some rival gangsters. Louie discovers Jimmy's disguise, however, and murders him. Buckley vows to arrest Louie, who has been a thorn in his side for some time, and brings in all the small-time hoods in town for interrogation. When Louie himself comes to Buckley's office, Buckley finds out that Louie is still searching for the son he lost eighteen years ago when his wife died, and Buckley uses this to get to him. He asks for help from Millie O'Dowd, daughter of a deceased cop, who is in love with Joe Riley, a truck driver trapped in the services of Louie's gang. Millie drops hints that convince Louie that Joe is the son for whom he has been looking. Louie's henchman Hugo dislikes Joe because he is not "killer" material and, hoping that Joe will be killed, he tips off police to a hijacking during which Joe will be driving. Buckley sees through this ruse, however, and manages to let the information leak to Louie that one of his men squealed. Louie realizes it was Hugo and kills him, and then tells Joe that he will arrange it so he and Millie can move to Florida, where she has relatives. Under pressure from Buckley, Joe telephones Louie and asks to meet him in Louie's candy warehouse, where Louie, unaware that police are hiding close by, openly admits that he killed Jimmie and Hugo. Louie realizes he has been framed, however, and is shot by Buckley during a gunfight. Buckley immediately orders Joe to go to Florida, and in a last gesture of kindness, reveals to Louie that Joe is not really his son, so that he can die in peace.

Film Details

Genre
Crime
Release Date
Sep 29, 1931
Premiere Information
not available
Production Company
Universal Pictures Corp.
Distribution Company
Universal Pictures Corp.
Country
United States
Screenplay Information
Based on the short story "The Mob" by Henry La Cossitt in Adventure (1 Oct 1928).

Technical Specs

Duration
1h 10m
Sound
Mono
Color
Black and White
Theatrical Aspect Ratio
1.37 : 1
Film Length
7 reels

Quotes

Trivia

Notes

Although a print of this film was not viewed, the above credits and plot summary were taken from a studio cutting continuity. The film opens with the following written dedication: "Dedicated to The Police Force of the Land-Vigilant-Courageous-Ready-Soldiers of Society Warring Against the Criminal, the Lawless, the Evil." According to the Variety review, the dedication is followed by a still photograph of Police Commissioner Edward P. Mulrooney of New York City, and portions of his speech made to an audience at Madison Square Garden.