Show Them No Mercy!

A HIDDEN GEM
"Show Them No Mercy" is a prime example of well-knit storytelling. It addresses the grim reality of rampant kidnapping in the 1930s, and while the young couple, held hostage, are not kidnap-for-ransom victims, they are at the mercy of a quartet of hoodlums ranging from the somewhat comic to the sociopathic. Bruce Cabot is in peak form as the sadistic Patch, while Cesar Romero gives a likeable performance as the dandified gang leader. A nice balance of excellent 1930s melodrama with a realistic sober tone, especially in those scenes involving emotional effects of the real kidnapping, brings further quality to this movie. I highly recommend "Show Them No Mercy."

Classic Gangster Film.
A newly married couple Loretta(Rochelle Hudson)and Joe Martin(Edward Norris)and their baby are on vacation.Their car breaks down and they find a deserted cabin.Once inside they find current newspapers,food,etc.Laughing it all off they remain.
Four thugs show up,Tobey(Cesar Romero,Pitch(Bruce Cabot)Buzz(Edward Brophy)and Cimp(Warner Hymer)The gang have just collected a ransom on a kidnapping.
The gang find the Martins there and hold them hostage.
Of course,the family have their problems with the gang,especially with Pitch,a sadistic bully who wants to get rid of the family.
The mobsters get word on the radio that the bills are marked and Joe is sent out to test them and warned if he returns with the police his family will be killed.
Edward Brophy will best be remembered for doing the voice of Dumbos pal,The Wisecracking mouse.

Interesting Twists To This Kidnapping Story
Here is yet another example of a very good classic-era film which has never been given a DVD treatment. Too bad because a lot of movie fans are missing out on a good crime film.

This kidnapping story has a unique, totally unexpected ending. It's also unusual in that almost all of the story takes place AFTER the ransom has been paid and the kidnap victim has been safely returned.

It also has a twist of nice couple being inadvertently involved in the crime. The crooks in here are entertaining to watch, particularly the leader "Tobey," played well by Caesar Romero. Some of Romero's sidekicks are stupid but just makes them interesting to watch. One guy, however, is a little bit too nasty. (This gang is not the most brilliant but their stupidity makes the film more fun.)

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