Black Hand

Gene Kelly's vendetta against the Italian mob
It's rare that Gene Kelly wandered away from the comfy realm of musicals, but it was always a treat when he did so. Lessee, in 1943, he was a serviceman in both PILOT #5 and Cross of Lorraine. He played the swashbuckling D'Artagnan in The Three Musketeers (1948) and a cynical journalist in Inherit the Wind (1960). In 1962 he played Father O'Malley in the TV drama series, Going My Way - The Complete Series - 30 Episodes!. But, mostly, he stuck to his area of expertise, the musical.

He does no singing or hoofing in 1950's BLACK HAND. It's a low-down, grimy depiction of organized crime in early 20th century New York, and Kelly is straight-up serious here. He plays Giovanni "Johnny" Columbo, a...

For Gene Kelly Fans
Gene Kelly out of his usual element (song and dance)in a crime movie. Gene Kelly plays Johnny Columbo, a young man bent on revenge against a criminal group called Black Hand. The Black Hand are a group of extortionists that demand protection money from small immigrant business owners with the promise of death (to them or their family members if they do not pay). Set in the early 1900's in New York's Little Italy, shows crime when it was first organized. J. Carroll Naish plays the police sergeant who aids in Kelly's quest. Was a must in my collection, hope it will be in yours too.

Suspenseful, well acted
A good suspense story in black and white. Gene Kelly was excellent. Supporting actors were very good. Deserves to remain in the catalogs.

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