"Johnny Apollo" is a 20th Century Fox movie intended as a meatier role for its handsome leading man, Tyrone Power. And I think Power definitely was better in his drama, adventure and crime roles than the comedies he had been. His personal always comes across as serious. Even in humorous situations he has a moodiness about him. He just wasn't cut out for comedy, and in spite of his handsome appeal, he wasn't very capable as a diversified actor.
Fox also provided a top supporting cast for this crime film. That's what it is - more a crime and corruption film than a mystery, in the genre in which James Cagney has some big hits. As Bob Cain, the son of Robert Cain Sr., Power takes a fake name, Johnny Apollo, so that he could get work to get his dad out of prison. Edward Arnold plays the senior who was sent up river for embezzlement. They have a fight and are on the outs for a while. After Bob as Johnny gets in with a crooked attorney, he pulls some crimes. Eventually, he winds up in prison as well. Father and son have a reconciliation, but not before some other detours regarding a possible prison breakout. Pop gets shot but recovers, the crooked lawyer gets caught after killing another lawyer who snitched on him, and Johnny/Bob winds up in the slammer too.
Lloyd Nolan, Charley Grapewin, Russell Hicks, Charles Lane and Selmer Jackson are good in key supporting roles. Oh, yes, and Dorothy Lamour is the moll of the crooked lawyer who falls for Johnny/Bob and wait for him as he does his time. This is quite a complicated and far out screenplay, but it works as a good crime flick for Power and Fox.
Fox also provided a top supporting cast for this crime film. That's what it is - more a crime and corruption film than a mystery, in the genre in which James Cagney has some big hits. As Bob Cain, the son of Robert Cain Sr., Power takes a fake name, Johnny Apollo, so that he could get work to get his dad out of prison. Edward Arnold plays the senior who was sent up river for embezzlement. They have a fight and are on the outs for a while. After Bob as Johnny gets in with a crooked attorney, he pulls some crimes. Eventually, he winds up in prison as well. Father and son have a reconciliation, but not before some other detours regarding a possible prison breakout. Pop gets shot but recovers, the crooked lawyer gets caught after killing another lawyer who snitched on him, and Johnny/Bob winds up in the slammer too.
Lloyd Nolan, Charley Grapewin, Russell Hicks, Charles Lane and Selmer Jackson are good in key supporting roles. Oh, yes, and Dorothy Lamour is the moll of the crooked lawyer who falls for Johnny/Bob and wait for him as he does his time. This is quite a complicated and far out screenplay, but it works as a good crime flick for Power and Fox.