Johnny Apollo (1940)

☆ ☆ ☆

Johnny Apollo (1940) – H. Hathaway

Rather soapy gangster drama that probably would have been edgier just a few years later (when director Henry Hathaway was making noirs along with everyone else).  Tyrone Power is the son of a corrupt business tycoon (Edward Arnold) who gets sent to the slammer for 5 to 10.  Although Power first denounces his father, after finding it impossible to get work due to the stigma attached to his name, he seeks the services of a shady lawyer (Charley Grapewin) and falls in with a slick gangster (Lloyd Nolan). Dorothy Lamour plays the moll who sees the good in Power (who has renamed himself “Johnny Apollo”) and seeks to help him to help his dad get out of prison.  Unfortunately, dad has renounced son and only when son is also thrown into the clink do things start to turn around.  Although everyone here gives it their level best, there’s something about the plot mechanics that feel more contrived than usual. Still, it’s always fun to return to Hollywood’s heyday.