Film Noir Review: The Hoodlum

This is a competent, low budget B film noir starring tough guy Lawrence Tiereny made in 1951. I liked it. Tierney later appeared in one of my Seinfeld episodes titled "The Jacket" as Alton Benes, Elaine's tough, gruff father. (Jerry wore the candy-striped jacket that Alton took exception to seeing.) Anyway, Hoodlum is about as gritty as the early films noir ever get, especially the very grim opening scene. Tierney plays an ex-con whose mama helps to win his parole. He goes to work at his brother's (Tierney's real life brother Edward) filling station which happens to be across the street from the local bank. Of course, this gives the crooked Tierney certain ideas, and he's soon recruiting his old gang to make the bank heist. Meantime the cad Tierney moves in on his brother's girlfriend. The bank heist is interesting with a funeral playing a big part in it. The run time is a little over an hour, and the film is a public domain one that can be viewed as streamed online in several places. Worthwhile to check it out if you're a noir fan.