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Poster for The Lawbreakers

The Lawbreakers

Seen it?

1961 | 79 min | Drama, Crime

Weeknight Watchearly rating

Why it’s a Weeknight Watch

With almost no lasting buzz and soft box office, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
If you count yourself among music lovers and people who like their stories with a little danger, this one's for you. The music is woven into the story, not just laid on top. If you loved The Asphalt Jungle or Killer's Kiss, start here.
The mood
Dark and gritty.
The pace
Character-first and patient, at 1 hr 19 min. Short enough for a weeknight.
What might put you off
  • Made in 1961: an older pace and style.
  • Skip it if you need something light and fast tonight.

The story of a scheme to double-cross the syndicate and steal its money, and of a police commissioner '​s efforts to investigate homicides that take place as the scheme unfolds while also fighting corruption in the city government and police department.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsSolid

    Generally positive reviews

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Reach & staying powerBelow par

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    About 2K people sought it out in the past year

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Cast & crew

Directed by Joseph M. Newman

  • Jack WardenMatthew Gower
  • Vera MilesAngela Walsh
  • Robert DouglasAllen Bardeman
  • Arch JohnsonGus Honochek
  • David WhiteCommissioner James Deane
  • James SeayMayor Harold Emshaw
  • Robert H. HarrisJoe Selkin
  • Ken LynchEd Rackin
  • Robert BaileySam Henry
  • Mary LawrenceMarian Gower