Big City (1937)

Film Overview
"Big City" is an American drama movie directed by Frank Borzage. Released in 1937, the movie shows off a striking ensemble of stars, consisting of Spencer Tracy, Luise Rainer, and Charley Grapewin. Based upon an initial story by Norman Krasna, the film takes the audience through the bustling streets of New York City in the mid-1930s.

Plot Introduction
The film tells a gripping tale through the eyes of enthusiastic cab driver Joe Benton (played by Spencer Tracy), who is happily wed to his beloved spouse Anna (played by Luise Rainer), an immigrant from Germany. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the big city, life seems content simply the method it is.

Issues and Conflicts

Joe's simple story makes complex when the ruling Mayor incites a crackdown on taxi services, intending to bring under control the widespread lawbreaking in the city. This occasion initiates disputes within the immigrant community that Joe and Anna belong to.

Plot Development

Joe, nevertheless, plays a crucial function in fixing these conflicts, creating a potent "union" to protect cabbies and their households, winning him enormous appeal among fellow drivers. The highlight of the film, though, is when Anna gets falsely implicated of kidnapping a baby who got left in Joe's taxi, hence becoming the person of interest by the authorities.

Character Development

Throughout the film, Anna's character reveals good strength and grit, while Joe's character embodies traits of a real leader. Their chemistry and interactions with fellow immigrants bring to life the heartfelt community spirit that stands tall in the middle of all adversities.

Main Antagonist

The Mayor, poised as the antagonist, continues his extreme ruling, part of which unjustly links Anna in the kidnapping case. Forced into hiding by these scenarios, life takes a wild turn for Anna and Joe.

Climax and Resolution

The movie's climax is built around the court case, where Anna's innocence hangs by a thread. However, the testament of the kid's mother shows her innocence, helping her prevent deportation. The judgment swings in favor of the union, as Joe's dedicated efforts bear fruit, bringing hope and accomplishment to the drivers' neighborhood.

Conclusion

"Big City" end up with the cherished couple returning to their daily lives, commemorating victory, and rejoicing in community spirit. The film, while being a melodrama, does an amazing job highlighting social problems of the time and portraying the power of unity and integrity even in the middle of corruption. Its screenplay brims with laughter, tears, triumph, controversy, and a lot of feeling.

The film stands as a testament to Frank Borzage's absolute proficiency over movie direction and narrative storytelling. It skillfully portrays raw human feelings, the aiming immigrant spirit, a fascinating love story, and an effective experience of fighting for justice in the big city. In spite of its release in 1937, the relatability and charm of "Big City" continue to draw the attention of movie lovers across generations.

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