Download The Finger Points (1931) Colorized HD | Richard Barthelmess | Crime Drama | Journalism | Clark Gable

Corruption, Ambition, and Fatal Choices: The Finger Points (1931) Colorized

Step into the shadowy world of 1930s journalism and organized crime with “The Finger Points,” a hard-hitting crime drama now brilliantly colorized for a new generation. Directed by John Francis Dillon and originally released by Warner Bros., this pre-code classic explores the moral gray areas of ambition, loyalty, and survival in a city where the press and the mob are in constant collision. Now available in stunning HD, this colorized edition breathes new life into a story inspired by true events and packed with powerhouse performances.

The Finger Points Storyline: When the News Becomes the Crime

At the heart of “The Finger Points” is Breckenridge “Breck” Lee, a naïve but determined young reporter from the South who arrives in the big city, eager to make his mark at The Press. Assigned to expose a new gambling den, Lee’s integrity is immediately tested when gangster Louis J. Blanco tries to buy his silence. Refusing the bribe, Lee’s exposé leads to a police raid—and a brutal beating at the hands of the mob.

Struggling with mounting hospital bills and a meager salary, Lee’s idealism begins to crumble. Desperate for a better life and longing to marry his colleague Marcia Collins, he returns to Blanco, agreeing to keep quiet about the mob’s activities in exchange for cash. As Lee’s pockets grow deeper, so does his moral compromise. He soon escalates his demands, shaking down the gangsters for even larger payouts and catching the attention of the mysterious mob boss known only as “Number One.”

But ambition comes at a price. Marcia, suspicious of Lee’s newfound wealth, is torn between her feelings and her principles. Meanwhile, fellow reporter Charles “Breezy” Russell, who harbors his own affections for Marcia, threatens to unravel everything by chasing the story Lee has been paid to bury. As the web of lies tightens, Lee faces a final, fatal choice—one that leads to a tragic and ironic end, cementing his legacy in the city’s memory.

Cast and Characters

“The Finger Points” brings together a remarkable cast, each delivering performances that define the era:

• Richard Barthelmess as Breckenridge “Breck” Lee, the conflicted reporter

• Fay Wray as Marcia Collins, Lee’s love interest and fellow journalist

• Regis Toomey as Charles “Breezy” Russell, the determined rival reporter

• Robert Elliott as Frank Carter, the tough city editor

• Clark Gable as Louis J. Blanco, the charismatic but ruthless mob enforcer

• Oscar Apfel, Robert Gleckler, and J. Carrol Naish in pivotal supporting roles

Clark Gable, in a standout early role, exudes menace and charm as the mob’s enforcer, while Richard Barthelmess captures the tragic arc of a man seduced by power and money.

Movie Genre

“The Finger Points” is a riveting blend of crime drama, newsroom thriller, and pre-code morality tale. It’s a film that explores the intersection of journalism, organized crime, and personal ambition, making it a must-see for fans of classic gangster movies and stories of ethical conflict.

Historical Context: Journalism, Gangsters, and the Real Story

Released during the turbulent early 1930s, “The Finger Points” draws inspiration from the real-life murder of Chicago Tribune reporter Jake Lingle, who was infamously linked to Al Capone’s mob. The film’s depiction of corruption, bribery, and the dangers faced by crusading journalists resonated with Depression-era audiences who saw their world reflected in its gritty realism.

The pre-code era allowed filmmakers to tackle adult themes with a frankness that would soon be curtailed by Hollywood censorship. “The Finger Points” stands as a testament to this brief but vital period, unafraid to show the consequences of moral compromise and the seductive pull of easy money.

Colorization Details

This newly colorized version of “The Finger Points” uses advanced digital restoration techniques to enhance every frame, from the bustling newsroom to the smoky backrooms of the city’s underworld. The process involved careful attention to period-accurate hues, ensuring the film’s 1930s atmosphere is preserved while making the visuals more immersive for contemporary viewers.

Technical Details

• Director: John Francis Dillon

• Screenplay: John Monk Saunders, W.R. Burnett, Robert Lord

• Based on: True events surrounding the Chicago press and organized crime

• Cinematography: Ernest Haller

• Production Company: First National Pictures

• Distributed by: Warner Bros.

• Runtime: 90 minutes

Download Format and Compatibility

• Download Format: MP4

• Resolution: HD (1080p)

• Compatibility: Works on all major devices—smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs

Critical Reception and Legacy

Upon its release, “The Finger Points” was praised for its gritty realism and compelling performances, especially Clark Gable’s magnetic turn as Blanco. The film’s exploration of journalistic ethics and the dangers of unchecked ambition remains relevant, offering a window into both the era’s anxieties and timeless human flaws.

Modern audiences and classic film fans alike will appreciate the film’s historical significance, its sharp dialogue, and the tragic irony that defines Breck Lee’s journey. The colorized edition adds a fresh dimension, making this Depression-era tale accessible and visually striking for today’s viewers.

FAQs

• Q: Is “The Finger Points” based on a true story?

  • A: Yes, it’s inspired by the real-life case of Jake Lingle, a reporter entangled with the Chicago mob.

• Q: Who are the leading actors?

  • A: Richard Barthelmess stars as Breck Lee, with Fay Wray as Marcia Collins and Clark Gable as Louis J. Blanco.

• Q: What makes the colorized version special?

  • A: The colorization brings new vibrancy to the film, highlighting the period detail and enhancing the dramatic impact.

Download Now in HD!

Experience the tension and drama of “The Finger Points”—download the colorized HD version today!