The Crime Patrol (1936) On DVD

Professional fighter Bob Neal is in debt to racketeer Vic Santell. Santell, in need of a "sure thing," demands Bob take a dive in his next fight. Bob agrees, but in the heat of battle, he forgets himself and wins by a knockout. The police commissioner, a family friend, persuades Bob to follow in his father's footsteps and become a cop. However, upholding the law is not on Bob's agenda. He sees the force as a way to enrich himself and become an inside man for the mob, But when he falls for a police nurse, Bob is forced to change his ways and, once again, finds himself targeted by his gangster pals.

B movies such as The Crime Patrol were the backbone of the film business. Produced on such small budgets they made profits for both producers and theater owners when larger budget films often failed to do so. Many actors who had lesser parts in "A" pictures were afforded better roles in "B" films. Such is the case with this film's star Ray Walker and cast member "Snub" Pollard. Born in Australia in 1899, Pollard toured America with a vaudeville troupe in the early days of silent films. He worked extensively with Harold Lloyd and starred in his own hilarious comedy shorts for a number of years. He never made a successful transition to sound comedies and wound up in "B" films and many an extra role until the end of his life in 1963.

In this crime drama a young boxer joins the police department so he can use their high-quality gymnasium. In time, he comes to like law enforcement. He also falls in love. During the film's climax he breaks up a neighborhood mob, saves two cops in a hostage situation, and wins his girl.