Cast
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Pat O’Brien
as Thomas "Breezy" Elliott
Joan Blondell
as Jane Morgan
Bobby Jordan
as Mickey Fallon
Alan Baxter
as Joe Fallon
William B. Davidson
as Scotty
Morgan Conway
as Lou Baronette
Clay Clement
as Jaeggers
Selmer Jackson
as Detective Mendall
Addison Richards
as Brand
Pierre Watkin
as Barton
Joe King
as Brown
Douglas Wood
as J. W.
Armand Kaliz
as Chatteau
Moroni Olsen
as Juvenal Court Judge
Fern Barry
as Telephone Operator (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- James Flood
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Off the Record examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director James Flood brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1939, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Off the Record took approximately 3 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 71 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 106 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1780 individual shots.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1939, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Off the Record shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Shawshank Redemption, which focuses more on action than character development, Off the Record subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Bandyta and Grand Illusion explore similar territory, Off the Record stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 21, 1939
- Runtime: 1h 11m
Where to Watch
