The Gangster (1947)

In the seedy underbelly of Neptune City, a grimy yet vibrant knockoff of Coney Island, resides Shubunka, a self-made kingpin of the local rackets. His life, a relentless grind of struggle and survival, has finally borne fruit as he now reigns supreme over his low-rent kingdom. However, his empire teeters on the brink of chaos as he finds himself ensnared in a dangerous love affair with a sultry nightclub singer, whose hypnotic allure clouds his judgment and drains his coffers. Shubunka's infatuation with this enchanting chanteuse, coupled with his indomitable pride, blinds him to the mounting threats to his reign. He lavishes her with extravagant gifts and doting attention, recklessly spending money that could better fortify his slowly crumbling operation. His world spirals further out of control as Cornell, a new, ruthlessly ambitious hoodlum, seizes this opportunity to infiltrate Shubunka's territory. Cornell, with his wolfish cunning, is a fresh breed of gangster, presenting a deadly challenge to Shubunka's rule. He employs a lethal mix of bribery and threats, slowly but surely winning over Shubunka's associates and destabilizing his operation. As Shubunka's weaknesses become his own worst enemy, he finds himself caught in a Greek tragedy of his own making. The Gangster is a riveting tale of unchecked ambition, dangerous love, and the perils of pride, painting a vivid picture of a man's downfall in the face of his own human frailties.

The Gangster is a crime movie featuring Barry Sullivan.

The Gangster is currently streaming on TCM.