King of the Underworld (1939 film)
| King of the Underworld | |
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Theatrical release poster
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| Directed by | Lewis Seiler |
| Written by | |
| Story by | W. R. Burnett |
| Starring | |
| Music by | Heinz Roemheld |
| Cinematography | Sidney Hickox |
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| Distributed by | Warner Bros. |
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Release date
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Running time
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67 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
King of the Underworld is a 1939 crime drama film starring Humphrey Bogart as a gangster and Kay Francis as a doctor forced to treat him. It was directed by Lewis Seiler. It is a remake of the 1935 film Dr. Socrates, which was based on a short story by W. R. Burnett.
Married doctors Niles (John Eldredge) and Carole Nelson (Kay Francis) save the life of a shot gangster. Joe Gurney (Humphrey Bogart), the patient's boss, gives Niles $500 as a reward, and suggests he take his "million dollar hands" uptown, where he can treat the rich. Niles takes his suggestion, but soon neglects his practice for his addiction: betting on the horses.
The doctor also starts treating Joe's gang without telling his wife. One night, he is called away to do just that. Suspicious, Carole follows him. When the police raid the gang's hideout, a shootout ensues and Niles is killed while Joe and his gang escape.
Though the district attorney (Pierre Watkin) has no case, he charges Carole with being involved anyway just to put on a good show for the public. The trial ends in a hung jury, but her medical license remains at stake. She is given three months to prove it or the license will be revoked. She relocates with her Aunt Josephine (Jessie Busley) to a town, Wayne Center, where two of Joe's men have been jailed, hoping to get in touch with the gangster.
While on his way to free his men, Joe has a flat tire. He initially suspects nearby wanderer Bill Stevens (James Stephenson) of having shot at him, but then a nail is extracted from the tire. When Bill mentions that he has written a book about the mistakes that brought about Napoleon's downfall, Joe becomes very interested, as he is a great admirer of the French leader. He offers Bill a ride. Bill makes the mistake of accepting, and soon finds himself shot in the shoulder when Joe and his gang rescue their comrades from the sheriff. Bill is caught.
When local Doctor Sanders (Arthur Aylesworth) refuses to treat the alleged criminal, Carole extracts the bullet. However, Bill is unable to provide her any useful information about Joe. When Bill's claims are confirmed, he is released. He goes to thank Carole. Aunt Josephine persuades him to stay with them for a week to recuperate.
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