I possess everything within my reach, so I’ve stopped wanting.
Today on Classic Movie Rev, we are taking on Dangerous to Know (1938).
I was cruising the internet to read about Anna May Wong and stumbled onto this movie, Dangerous to Know (1938). I jumped over to iMDB.com and read the cast list. When I saw that the movie featured Anna May Wong, Akim Tamiroff, Lloyd Nolan, and Anthony Quinn, I was off like a flash. It took a bit of doing, but I got a clean copy from the U.K. So, I hope you enjoy it.
The summaries on iMDB.com are very scant, and the film only has a 6.6[1] rating. On Rottentomatoes.com, it has zippo[2], no Tomatometer, or audience score. They do have it listed under the wrong year, so that can’t help.
New York Times film critic Bosley Crowther hated this movie. He said in a March 11, 1938 review:
“The most recent victim of the last-of-gangster cycle would seem to Tamiroff, the squat and guttural Moscovite whom Paramount ingeniously burdened with a leading role in “Dangerous to Know,” now showing at the Criterion. Poor Mr. Tamiroff might not find the going so rough if he were allowed to play a regulation tough guy who goes the inevitable way of all latter-day cinema gangsters, fighting and clawing to the end.
But in this one he is compelled to be a suave and cultured rackets king who rhapsodizes over Bach and Mozart (and how Mr. Tamiroff rhapsodizes!) while his henchmen execute his ruthless orders. Naturally he aspires to high society and a high society girl which—also naturally—brings him into conflict with forces greater than himself, not to mention his loving friend, played by Anna -May Wong. In her strange oriental way, Miss Wong reaches his artistic soul and reveals to him his folly by playing for him on the phonograph a composition entitled “Thanks For the Memory,” (which by an odd coincidence. happens to be the hit song of Paramount’s “Big Broadcast of 1938”). But too late! The damage is done—and the sad fate of Miss Wong and Mr. Tamiroff is sealed to the strains of Handel’s “Largo,” played by Mr. Tamiroff con amore.
“Dangerous to Know” is second-rate melodrama, hardly worthy the talents of its generally capable cast.[3]“
Lara Gabrielle Fowler at Backlot.net had some fascinating insight into the film. In an article on September 1, 2012, titled “Symbolism and Metaphor in “Dangerous to Know” (1938), and Other Noteworthy Festival Events,” the author stated that the organ Recka played at the end of the movie was a special model “…designed for use at funerals.” Fowler also stated “…that the “Butterfly” character be implied through the suicide of Lan Ying, as the musical theme continues through the plot line even in covert ways.” Fowler concluded with, “When this movie started, I was prepared not to like it, and truth be told the first hour left a lot to be desired. But the ending turned it completely around for me, and when I reflect on the film hours later, I remember it as a fascinating and enjoyable hour and a half.[4]“
To me, Anna May Wong is the heart and soul of this movie. Her delicate gestures and facial expressions are a joy to watch as she moves the story along, from inside and out.
Actors – Dangerous to Know (1938)
Returning
Anna May Wong played Madame Lan Ying, hostess/girlfriend to Recka played by Tamiroff. The graceful and talented American actress Anna May Wong was first covered in Daughter of the Dragon (1931).
Akim Tamiroff played gangster Stephan Recka. Tamiroff was first covered in The Buccaneer (1938). Recka’s henchman Nicki was played by Anthony Quinn, who was also in The Buccaneer (1938) but was first covered in Warlock (1959).
Veteran character actor Porter Hall had a small role as corrupt Mayor Bradley. Hall was first covered in the great Film Noir Ace in the Hole (1951).
Hedda Hopper played snotty Mrs. Emily Carson, wife to a senator. She was excellent in this small role. Hopper was first covered in Sunset Blvd. (1950).
New
Gail Patrick played socialite Margaret Van Case. Patrick was born in 1911 in Alabama, which I guess is not bad if you are rich. Patrick received a B.A. from Howard College in Texas. Later she was the dean of women. Patrick began studying pre-law at the University of Alabama. Roll Tide. She became involved in a Paramount talent search for an actress to play the Panther Woman in Island of Lost Souls (1932). Patrick didn’t win the role, but she did obtain a studio contract.
To train her and test her appeal, the studio cast Patrick in many roles. These films include Death Takes a Holiday (1934) which is a very good movie, Wagon Wheels (1934), The Crime of Helen Stanley (1934), Wanderer of the Wasteland (1935), Mississippi (1935), Early to Bed (1936), and Disbarred (1939). Her best-known films are My Man Godfrey (1936), Stage Door (1937), and My Favorite Wife (1940).
Patrick was a regular in films through 1947 with films like Film Noir Quiet Please: Murder (1942). Brewster’s Millions (1945), Plainsman and the Lady (1946), and Calendar Girl (1947). When she left film work, Patrick began to design clothes. She was the producer of televisions “Perry Mason” 1957-1966. Patrick died in 1980 at the age of 69.
Lloyd Nolan played police Inspector Brandon. Nolan was born in San Francisco in 1902. His father owned a shoe manufacturing business. Nolan became interested in acting while at Santa Clara College. He worked in theater until he graduated with an A.A. and transferred to Stanford. His continued focus on acting caused his disassociation with Stanford. After a stint at sea, Nolan ended up in Hollywood.
Nolan began studying at the Pasadena Playhouse in 1927 and continued on stage. He performed in summer stock and at the Pasadena Playhouse. In 1929, Nolan performed in his first role on Broadway. He continued to perform on the east coast before returning to Hollywood in mid-1934.
Nolan signed with Paramount and was very successful in “B” movies. He played both good guys and heavies without becoming a star. His movies during this early period included ‘G’ Men (1935), King of Gamblers (1937), Dangerous to Know (1938), and King of Alcatraz (1938).
In the 1940s, Nolan moved around the studio system. He had many roles where he played anything from a private detective, local cop, military, to a federal agent. He played private investigator Mike Shayne seven times from 1940 to 1942. These early crime capers are very Noir stained, and some are classified as Noir. Nolan appeared in many Film Noirs such as Johnny Apollo (1940), Dressed to Kill (1941), Time to Kill (1942), The House on 92nd Street (1945), Somewhere in the Night (1946), and Lady in the Lake (1946).
Nolan was perhaps best-known for his World War II films. These films include Manila Calling (1942), Bataan (1943). Guadalcanal Diary (1943), and propaganda film Resisting Enemy Interrogation (1944).
Nolan began working on television during the 1950s. He still made films such as Island in the Sky (1953), Toward the Unknown (1956), and Seven Days from Now (1957). Nolan returned to Broadway in 1954 and was a hit play Captain Queeg in “The Caine Mutiny Court Martial.” I probably was first exposed to Nolan when he played a doctor on televisions racially progressive “Julia” staring with Diahann Carroll from “1968-1971”.
In an attempt to draw audiences back to theaters, producers began casting Nolan in relatively important supporting roles in films like Ice Station Zebra (1968), Airport (1970), Earthquake (1974), and much later Hannah and Her Sisters (1986).
Nolan’s final television role was on “Murder, She Wrote” in 1985. Nolan kept silent about his cancer until filming was complete. He died in September 1986.
Story – Dangerous to Know (1938)
The car of criminal Stephan Recka (Akim Tamiroff) stops in front of city hall. Instead of issuing a ticket, a policeman wants to see Recka. The driver of the car informs the policeman that Recka never comes here and only sends his assistant.
Recka’s assistant Nicholas ‘Nicki’ Kusnoff (Anthony Quinn) enters the building and is admitted directly to see Mayor Bradley (Porter Hall). Nicki has a cylinder recording of one of Recka’s associates John Rance (Edward Pawley) and Councilman Murkil (Robert Brister), hatching a scheme to overthrow Recka and make the councilman the new mayor. Recka has a corrupt political machine that is hard to beat.
At Recka’s mansion, Madame Lan Ying (Anna May Wong) hosts a birthday party for Recka. She is a perfect host, although Recka has not come down for the party yet. She is clearly his girlfriend but it is not stated. In conversations with others, we learn that Recka was a bootlegger and a teetotaler.
Senator (Pierre Watkin) and Mrs. Emily Carson (Hedda Hopper) arrive at the party. Emily has no use for Recka, but the Senator thinks he needs the criminal to get reelected. He badgers Emily to invite Recka to dinner, but she refuses. Recka wants to be accepted into polite society. I believe I have seen Edward G. Robinson in the setup a few times.
Lan Ying is insulted when she is referred to a Recka’s hostess. Lan Ying goes upstairs to retrieve Recka. He is listening to music and is a very cultured man. Recka is not interested in any of the guests, saying they all want something. He laments about the people that won’t come to his house. Nicki comes to the room, and Lan Ying is sent back to the party.
At the party, Margaret Van Case (Gail Patrick), a rich socialite, crashes the party. Emily Carson is very impressed when she sees the young woman at Recka’s house. Recka sees Margaret alone and moves right in on her. He thinks that she is the key to entering polite society. Lan Ying sees what is going on. Margaret has money and everything she needs. But she does complain that her district has been zoned commercial. Margaret and Recka share a love of music.
Sensing an opportunity, Emily Carson invites Recka to dinner as Sen. Carson had requested. After the party, Recka plays the organ as Margaret listens. Lan Ying stands by with a dour look on her face. Recka and Margaret discuss his criminal past. His mood becomes foul, and it is reflected in the music he is playing. Margaret leaves.
Nicki and Recka drive to the home of John Rance. Nicki asks to do the job, but Recka says he will take care of it. Rance is surprised to see Recka. Recka asks about the councilman. Recka makes Rance write out a suicide note. Yeah, right. If you don’t, what are they going to do, kill you? Recka uses a gun and forces Rance to fall from the window to his death.
At the Bureau of Detectives, Inspector Brandon (Lloyd Nolan) gets word of the suicide/murder. Brandon knows Recka is behind the death.
Recka has the mayor in his house, changing the zoning on Margaret’s neighborhood. The mayor says that Councilman Murkil is going away for a month or so. Brandon shows up at Recka’s house with the police sirens blazing. Lan Ying and Brandon have a friendly relationship. Nicki joins Recka and Brandon. Brandon goes over a few other killings related to Recka. Brandon returns a bribe attempt. Brandon gives Recka a pair of handcuffs made of chocolate for his birthday.
At the horse track, Nicki and Recka watch the horse’s race. Nicki reports that Margaret has no money of her own, and she has a boyfriend. Her boyfriend is a former football star, Philip Easton (Harvey Stephens), who also has no money. Easton works for a bond company. Recka has Nicki contact the bond company saying Recka wants to buy $20,000 of bonds from Easton. Easton is told to be a Recka’s house at 7:00 P.M. that night.
Easton arrives at the house excited to make a bond sale. Lan Ying lets him inside. Recka makes Easton thinks big things are coming. When Lan Ying hears that Easton is dating Margaret, she has a stern look. Just then, Lan Ying gets a call from Emily Carson saying to have Recka pick up Margaret for the diner. Recka sends Lan Ying home. Lan Ying says that Recka can never enter Margaret’s world, echoing her desire to be part of Recka’s world. There will be more on this in the Summary.
Recka establishes a relationship with Easton and his bank over a few months. One day Recka is at the bank, and Margaret comes to eat lunch with Easton. Easton gets a call, and Recka jumps at the chance to eat with her. She is pleased with what he has done on the zoning. She shows her engagement ring. He makes a pitch to marry her. She is not interested and is very clear. At another table, Inspector Brandon sees Recka with Margaret and thinks he is slipping up.
Nicki brings a package for Lan Ying to lock up. He tells it is $50,000 worth, and I assume it is jewels. Nicki also tells her that Recka is planning on marrying Margaret or some other society dame. Lan Ying looks crushed. Recka comes in, and he is short with Nicki. He sends him to the airport but won’t tell him why.
Lan Ying won’t talk to Recka about the love triangle. She tells him he is making a mistake, and she only wants what she can have in her reach. She tells him he reaches too far. The scene cuts away, but the way it is done makes it look like they got all kissy face.
Nicki is waiting at a dumpy apartment with two torpedoes, out-of-town hitters Crouch (Eddie Marr) and Haley (Harry Worth). Recka comes in and sends Nicki away. He tells the two torpedoes that the job they are doing must be done correctly. Later Crouch puts on a fake beard.
Crouch is buying 200K worth of bonds from Easton. He says he will pay cash. Crouch pulls a gun, and Haley comes in the back. They steal the bonds and kidnap Easton. The newspapers show that the police think Easton is the thief.
Recka has a man call in a tip to the police, and Inspector Brandon gets the assignment. Nicki is sent to watch.
Inspector Brandon goes to the tip location and finds Easton drunk or drugged. They take Easton to the station. Nicki watches the arrest and then quickly reports it to Recka. Recka tells Nicki to send the torpedoes away in a car, get the bonds, and wait at the police station.
Margaret goes to Recka’s house about Easton. She defends Easton. Recka says he can fix the problem. Margaret realizes what Recka has done. She agrees to marry Recka if he undoes the plot against Easton. He accepts even though Margaret says she hates him. She vows revenge against Recka. Recka is so in love he can’t see the bus bearing down on him. She is to meet Recka at the airport at 7:00 P.M.
Inspector Brandon gives Easton a rough interrogation. Judge Parker, a crony of Recka, calls and orders Inspector Brandon to charge Easton. In this way, Recka can have him bailed out of jail. Inspector Brandon realizes that Recka is behind the entire operation.
Nicki sees Easton released, and then the cops bring in the two torpedoes. They ran a red light, and the police found guns in their car.
Lan Ying sees Recka suitcases, and the plane tickets arrive by messenger. She opens the envelope and sees that there are two tickets. Nicki comes rushing to tell that the two torpedoes have been picked up, and Inspector Brandon is interrogating them.
Recka says not to worry; the cops would need to find the stolen bonds. Nicki opens the bag and starts counting out the bonds. Recka notices right away that they are clipped newspapers with real bonds on the outsides. Recka first accuses Nicki but then realizes the police may have the bonds.
Easton arrives at the house looking for Margaret. Recka acts like they are best friends. Lan Ying looks on with disgust as she realizes how far Recka will go to get what he wants. She goes into the office and sees the stolen bonds. She tricks Nicki into revealing he is involved.
Recka sends Easton to a garage where he is to identify the two robbers. Nicki will be waiting to kill him. Lan Ying overhears and runs out to warn Easton. Recka gives the orders to Nicki to kill Easton. Nicki doesn’t want to do it, but Recka forces him.
Outside, Inspector Brandon grabs Nicki and sends him away in a police car.
Recka comes into the den, and Lan Ying is making drinks for them. Nicki reminds her that he doesn’t drink, and she goads him to take a drink. She toasts to health. He won’t toast. She puts “Thanks for the Memories,’ on the phonograph. It seems like a genuine goodbye. Lan Ying starts to cry. He gives her a check for a lot of money. He says for her to keep it in case he returns. Recka is worried about his decision to go away with Margaret. He says she is a real friend. Ahh, friend-zoned!
Inspector Brandon is looking in the window. Recka starts to play the organ, and Lan Ying pulls a knife from her purse. She watches Recka play and sees the contentment in his face. Brandon has left the window. Lan Ying places her hand on Recka’s shoulder and plunges the knife into her own stomach. It takes a minute for Recka to see what has happened.
Perry Mason style, Recka has the bloody knife in his hand when Inspector Brandon comes in and arrests him. Recka claims innocence. Then he says Inspector Brandon is a straight cop and won’t frame him like this. Inspector Brandon replies that Recka has killed eight men and will now be executed for a crime he didn’t commit. He also says they have him for the Rance murder as well.
As Recka is led out, he tells his butler to make the arrangements for a beautiful funeral for Lan Ying. He also wants Handel’s “Largo” played at the funeral. The butler asks Recka if he needs anything. Recka replies, no, the one thing I need, I can never have again.
Later Nicki is playing chopsticks on the organ and talking to the butler. He says they let him go and charged Recka with first-degree murder. The butler is disgusted with Nicki knowing he is a rat.
A plane is shown flying away with a delighted Margaret and Easton. He got the tickets for Lan Ying.
I’ll be back with conclusions and World-Famous Short Summary following a word from our sponsors.
Summary – Dangerous to Know (1938)
I’m not generally considered a woke person, but I have to make exceptions to a couple of things with Bosley Crowther’s review. He said, “In her strange oriental way, Miss Wong…” Lan Ying, the character in the movie, may have had strange oriental ways, by Miss Wong was a third-generation American.
Crowther also described Tamiroff as a guttural Muscovite. Tamiroff had a guttural voice in this film but no close to how he was as Touch of Evil (1958) as Uncle Joe Grandi. Tamiroff was born in what is now the Republic of Georgia and was never from Moscow or Russia[5].
California was the first state in the 20th century to strike down its anti-miscegenation law in 1948 in Perez v. Sharp[6]. Miss Wong was already dating men of other races, and this movie, released in 1938, oddly reflected a problem she was dealing with in real life.
World-Famous Short Summary – Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.
Beware the moors.
[1] https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0030039/
[2] https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/dangerous_to_know_1937
[3] https://www.nytimes.com/1938/03/11/archives/the-screen-in-review-warners-start-the-southern-cycle-with-jezebel.html
[4] https://backlots.net/2012/09/01/cinecon-day-2-symbolism-and-metaphor-in-dangerous-to-know-1938-and-other-noteworthy-festival-events/
[5] https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Muscovite
[6] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-miscegenation_laws_in_the_United_States
