Step into the shadowy world of Prohibition-era crime with The Secret Six, a gripping pre-code crime drama from 1931, now beautifully colorized for a modern viewing experience. Directed by George W. Hill and featuring an all-star cast, this film delivers a potent mix of gangland violence, intrigue, and vigilante justice. Perfect for classic film enthusiasts and fans of early Hollywood crime sagas, this HD download brings a bold and dynamic piece of cinematic history to your screen.
The Secret Six centers on Louis “Slaughterhouse” Scorpio (Wallace Beery), a ruthless bootlegger who rises to power by eliminating his gangland rivals. The story unfolds as Scorpio is recruited by Johnny Franks (Ralph Bellamy), a club owner and bootlegger, to work for the criminal organization masterminded by the crooked attorney Richard “Newt” Newton (Lewis Stone). Scorpio quickly takes control, dominating the city’s underworld and amassing immense wealth and influence.
Meanwhile, two intrepid reporters, Hank Rogers (Johnny Mack Brown) and Carl Luckner (Clark Gable), investigate the crime wave sweeping the city. Their efforts are supported by a secret group of six masked businessmen, who operate in the shadows to bring down Scorpio and his criminal empire. As the net tightens around Scorpio, the film builds to a dramatic climax, with justice ultimately served by the determined vigilantes.
The Secret Six boasts a powerhouse ensemble of early Hollywood legends:
Wallace Beery as Louis “Slaughterhouse” Scorpio
Lewis Stone as Richard “Newt” Newton
Johnny Mack Brown as Hank Rogers
Jean Harlow as Anne Courtland
Marjorie Rambeau as Peaches
Clark Gable as Carl Luckner
Ralph Bellamy as Johnny Franks
With supporting performances by Paul Hurst, John Miljan, and others, this cast brings the story’s drama and danger to life.
The Secret Six is a pre-code crime drama, blending elements of gangster film, noir, and vigilante justice. Its gritty realism, moral ambiguity, and exploration of corruption make it a standout in early 1930s cinema.
Released in 1931, The Secret Six arrived during the height of Prohibition and the early years of the Great Depression. The film reflects the era’s fascination with gangsters and the public’s growing frustration with organized crime. Inspired by real-life figures like Al Capone, the movie’s portrayal of criminal syndicates and secret vigilante groups resonated with audiences seeking justice in a lawless time259.
The film was produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, with a screenplay by Frances Marion, and was directed by George W. Hill. It was a commercial success and helped launch the careers of several future Hollywood stars, including Clark Gable and Jean Harlow, who both made memorable impressions despite limited screen time29.
This colorized version of The Secret Six has been meticulously restored using advanced digital techniques. The process involved carefully analyzing the original black and white footage and assigning vibrant, period-appropriate colors to each scene. The result is a visually stunning film that brings the smoky nightclubs, shadowy alleys, and dramatic courtroom scenes to life for modern audiences.
The colorization enhances the film’s atmosphere, highlighting the rich costumes, detailed sets, and expressive performances that make The Secret Six a classic of its genre.
Director: George W. Hill
Screenplay: Frances Marion
Based on: Original story by Frances Marion
Cinematography: Harold Wenstrom
Edited by: Blanche Sewell
Production Company: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Runtime: 83 minutes
Download Format: MP4
Resolution: HD (1080p)
Compatibility: Compatible with most devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs.
The Secret Six was well-received upon its release and has since become a cult favorite among classic film fans. It is praised for its strong performances, gripping story, and its place in the cycle of early gangster films that defined the pre-code era. The film’s influence can be seen in later crime dramas and noir classics, and it remains a fascinating example of Hollywood’s early fascination with organized crime and vigilante justice259.
Q: Is The Secret Six based on a true story?
A: While the film is fictional, it was inspired by real-life gangsters and stories of secret vigilante groups published in magazines like the Saturday Evening Post9.
Q: Who are the main stars of The Secret Six?
A: The film stars Wallace Beery, Lewis Stone, Johnny Mack Brown, Jean Harlow, and Clark Gable.
Q: Is this version of The Secret Six colorized?
A: Yes, this version has been professionally colorized to enhance the viewing experience.
Q: What makes The Secret Six special for classic film fans?
A: The film features early performances by future Hollywood legends and is a prime example of pre-code crime cinema.
Q: What is the download format?
A: The download format is MP4, which is compatible with most devices.
Q: What resolution is the download?
A: The resolution is HD (1080p), providing a high-quality viewing experience.
Uncover the Mystery and Drama of The Secret Six Today!