Federal Bullets


1h 1m 1937

Brief Synopsis

When the Bureau of Investigation (so-called because Monogram didn't have J. Edgar's stamp of approval) learns that wealthy philanthropist Mrs. Crippen (Zeffie Tilbury) bosses the city's underworld, Federal Agent Tommy Thompson (Milburn Stone) is detailed to uncover evidence that will convict her. Masquerading as a crook, Tommy is saved from jail by the Crippen machine, which is headed by Harker (Selmer Jackson), Mrs. Crippen's lawyer and...

Film Details

Genre
Crime
Release Date
Oct 30, 1937
Premiere Information
not available
Production Company
Monogram Pictures Corp.
Distribution Company
Monogram Pictures Corp.
Country
United States
Screenplay Information
Based on the novel Federal Bullets by George Fielding Eliot (London, 1937).

Technical Specs

Duration
1h 1m
Sound
Mono
Color
Black and White
Theatrical Aspect Ratio
1.37 : 1
Film Length
5,576ft (7 reels)

Synopsis

The Federal Bureau of Investigation learns from an informant that elderly Mrs. Crippen, a humanitarian renowned for rehabilitating criminals, is actually the boss of a criminal underground. Before they can gather more evidence, however, their informant, Crippen's secretary, is murdered. Agent Tommy Thompson is assigned to the case to work undercover as a criminal. Another agent poses as his mother, who begs Crippen to save her son from the death sentence. Crippen calls on her partner Harker to defend Tommy in court and gain his release. Tommy is then recruited into Crippen's gang, although they pretend to place him in a legitimate job, and he assists Crippen's efforts to save "Barber John," a ruthless killer, from execution. In the meantime, Tommy falls in love with Crippen's secretary Milly, who is ignorant of her employer's true work. Under orders from Crippen, Tommy helps Barber John escape while he is being transported from prison, but in accordance with his secret plans with the police, Tommy takes Barber John to Crippen's home in order to incriminate her. Crippen is tipped-off as to Tommy's identity, however, and before police arrive she has left for her mountain hideout with Milly, Tommy and Barber John. They are unable to elude the police, however, and a gunfight ensues at the hideout during which Barber John is killed. Federal agents arrive in time to free Tommy and Milly and arrest Crippen, who reveals that Barber John was her son.

Film Details

Genre
Crime
Release Date
Oct 30, 1937
Premiere Information
not available
Production Company
Monogram Pictures Corp.
Distribution Company
Monogram Pictures Corp.
Country
United States
Screenplay Information
Based on the novel Federal Bullets by George Fielding Eliot (London, 1937).

Technical Specs

Duration
1h 1m
Sound
Mono
Color
Black and White
Theatrical Aspect Ratio
1.37 : 1
Film Length
5,576ft (7 reels)

Quotes

Trivia

Notes

According to a Hollywood Reporter news item, Owen Francis was signed to write a treatment of George Fielding Eliot's novel, however, his contribution to the final film has not been determined.