Quick Millions (1931)

Quick Millions Poster

A truck driver "too lazy to work and too nervous to steal" gets mixed up in racketeering. Naturally his underhanded business practices make him a pillar of the community.

Introduction of "Quick Millions"
"Quick Millions" is a pre-Code criminal activity movie that hit theaters in 1931, including Spencer Tracy in the lead function. Directed by Rowland Brown, the movie focuses on the story of a truck motorist called Dan Quigley, who increases to power in the underworld and eventually deals with the effects of his quick ascent to wealth and impact. The motion picture is notable for its early portrayal of organized crime, which predates the traditional gangster age characterized by movies such as "The Public Enemy" and "Scarface".

Plot Summary
Spencer Tracy portrays Dan Quigley, an ambitious and hard truck motorist with an eager eye for opportunity. After getting fired from his job for insubordination, Quigley ends up being embroiled in the criminal underworld, beginning with minor shakedowns and gradually going up the criminal hierarchy. His sharp wit and absence of scruples lead him to design a scheme to make use of payphone coin collectors, thereby making himself the moniker "the nickel king".

Quigley's success in organized crime accelerates when he organizes a 'protection' racket targeting truck drivers. With his appeal and street smarts, he pulls together a group of chauffeurs who ensure that any trucker not paying protection money faces subsequent truck hijackings and cargo thefts. This racket brings in quick millions for Quigley and his associate, leading them to live extravagant way of lives.

As Quigley climbs up the ranks, he satisfies and falls for a lovely girl named Dorothy, played by Marguerite Churchill. The 2 participate in a fast-moving romance, however their relationship is complicated by Quigley's life of criminal activity. Quigley's aspirations and dark negotiations start to place a pressure on their relationship.

Increase to Power and Romance
Quigley's climb to power within the underworld is portrayed as swift however stuffed with threats. The movie captures the essence of an opportunistic male who utilizes his intelligence and connections to gather impact and wealth. His love interest, Dorothy, becomes a focal point of the story, highlighting the human aspect and psychological vulnerability behind the tough exterior of the gangster.

In spite of his tough disposition, Quigley shows that he can love and a desire for something higher in life. However, the complexity of stabilizing his nefarious activities with a personal life becomes progressively hard for Quigley to navigate.

Failure and Redemption
Just like numerous gangster dramas of the time, "Quick Millions" portrays the inescapable failure that follows a life of crime. Quigley's criminal empire starts to fall apart underneath him due to infighting, betrayal, and increased law enforcement scrutiny. Ultimately, what starts as the apparently foolproof racket develops into a labyrinth of difficulties, forcing Quigley to challenge the repercussions of his greed and moral compromise.

Confronted with an ethical crossroads and the disintegration of his relationships and power, Quigley needs to deal with the truth of his options. Dorothy's love and impact act as a driver for what becomes an introspective journey for him. The movie presents an ethical lesson about the dangers of easy wealth and its effect on individual integrity and relationships.

Legacy and Significance
"Quick Millions" stays an early however substantial entry in the gangster movie category. The film provides a raw and unglamorous take a look at the life of a gangster, avoiding the glorification that later on became typical. Spencer Tracy's charming efficiency as Dan Quigley is widely regarded as a standout feature of the film, showcasing his capabilities extremely early in his profession.

The movie serves as a cautionary tale of the American Dream gone awry through the pursuit of power, greed, and corruption. Regardless of the death of decades, "Quick Millions" continues to be valued for its gritty realism, sharp dialogue, and exploration of the darker side of aspiration.

Top Cast

  • Spencer Tracy (small)
    Spencer Tracy
    Daniel J. 'Bugs' Raymond
  • Marguerite Churchill (small)
    Marguerite Churchill
    Dorothy Stone
  • Sally Eilers (small)
    Sally Eilers
    Daisy De Lisle
  • Bob Burns (small)
    Bob Burns
    'Arkansas' Smith (as Robert Burns)
  • John Wray (small)
    John Wray
    Kenneth Stone
  • Warner Richmond (small)
    Warner Richmond
    'Nails' Markey
  • George Raft (small)
    George Raft
    Jimmy Kirk
  • John Swor
    Contractor
  • Leon Ames (small)
    Leon Ames
    Hood
  • Oscar Apfel (small)
    Oscar Apfel
    Police Detective Capp (uncredited)
  • Edwin Argus
    Testimonial Dinner Guest (uncredited)