Sergeant Madden (1939)

Sergeant Madden Poster

A dedicated police officer is torn between family and duty when his son turns to a life of crime.

Overview
"Sergeant Madden", directed by Josef von Sternberg, is a 1939 American crime movie that focuses on the epoch of lethal mob activity and organized criminal activity in the late 1930s. It uses a thorough take a look at the challenges dealt with by cops departments during this period while providing the audience with a psychological entanglement of familial ties and responsibility. The film includes Wallace Beery, Tom Brown and Alan Curtis, showcasing a narrative bound to represent law, love, loyalty, and sacrifice.

The Plot
A critical character in the movie, Sergeant Shaun Madden (Wallace Beery), is depicted as a veteran police officer working in the New York Police Department. He has a kid, Tommy Madden (Tom Brown), whom he desires to see following his footsteps to become a police officer. However, Madden's other adopted kid, Joe (Alan Curtis), starts a darker path and allies himself with a powerful mafia employer, in essence becoming a crucial figure in the mob. Not understanding about Joe's illicit activities, Madden enjoys seeing what he believes is Joe's success in business world.

Dispute and Resolution
The narrative magnifies when Madden is appointed to investigate a vicious murder case that includes a high-profile mob manager, unknowing that the wrongdoer is none besides his adopted kid, Joe. On the other hand, Tommy, who has finished from Policeman School, likewise gets involved in the case. In an awful turn of events, Tommy is killed during a bust versus the mob, and Madden finds the link in between the mafia boss and Joe.

To promote the law he has served for decades, Madden makes a solemn decision that draws out the crux of the film - moral responsibility versus familial loyalty. Following a poignant fight, Madden arrests Joe, despite the heartbreak of having to apprehend someone he considers household. The plot stresses Madden's excellent individual sacrifice for the defense of the law and his commitment to justice.

Crucial Reception
"Sergeant Madden" shines a light on the internal issues faced by law enforcement officers bound by duty, showcasing human sensations of love, anguish, and perseverance. Nevertheless, some critics were less than amazed with its minimal recreation of mob activity and its occasionally overwrought execution. On the contrary, the efficiency of Wallace Beery as Sergeant Madden was praised by numerous for his representation of a reliable yet empathetic figure. While the movie fell short in supplying a comprehensive summary of the mob complexities, it achieved success in spotlighting the psychological chaos within police officers as they ventured to promote justice.

Conclusion
"Sergeant Madden" provides a touching probe into a police officer's dedication towards maintaining peace and justice, whilst battling internal disputes of love and loyalty. In spite of combined evaluations, its story delivers enduring themes of duty, sacrifice, and familial bonds versus the backdrop of the fight against organized criminal activity. The movie ultimately highlights the human elements entrenched in the justice field, highlighting a police sergeant's agonizing choice to prioritize public safety and law enforcement over personal bonds.

Top Cast

  • Wallace Beery (small)
    Wallace Beery
    Sgt. Shaun Madden
  • Alan Curtis (small)
    Alan Curtis
    Dennis Madden
  • Tom Brown (small)
    Tom Brown
    Albert Boylan Jr.
  • Fay Holden (small)
    Fay Holden
    Mary Madden
  • Laraine Day (small)
    Laraine Day
    Eileen Daly
  • Marc Lawrence (small)
    Marc Lawrence
    Piggy
  • Marion Martin (small)
    Marion Martin
    Charlotte LePage
  • David Gorcey (small)
    David Gorcey
    Punchy LePage
  • Ben Welden (small)
    Ben Welden
    Stemmy
  • Donald Haines (small)
    Donald Haines
    Milton
  • Etta McDaniel (small)
    Etta McDaniel
    Dove