1931 Corsair (Chester Morris & Thelma Todd)

"Corsair" is a 1931 American pre-Code crime drama film, notable for its leading actors Chester Morris and Thelma Todd. It blends elements of adventure, romance, and crime, set against the backdrop of smuggling and high seas action.

Here's a description of the movie:

Title: Corsair

Release Year: 1931

Genre: Crime, Drama, Adventure, Romance, Pre-Code

Director: Roland West

Screenplay by: Roland West, Joseph Jackson (based on the novel "Corsair, Pirate" by Walton L. Brigham)

Production Company: United Artists

Plot:
The story centers around John Hawks (played by Chester Morris), a principled and charismatic Wall Street broker. He becomes disillusioned with the corruption and ruthless practices prevalent in the financial world. When he uncovers illicit dealings or is wronged by powerful figures in the stock market, he decides to abandon his conventional life.

Seeking a new path where he can act on his own terms and possibly exact a form of justice, Hawks turns to a life of modern-day piracy or smuggling. He assembles a crew and acquires a fast boat, becoming a "corsair" who operates outside the law, targeting the very individuals and institutions he once was a part of, or those involved in unethical activities.

During his adventures, he encounters Alison Corning (played by Thelma Todd), a beautiful and sophisticated woman. She might initially be involved with the corrupt elements he is fighting, or she could be a target, but their paths intertwine, leading to a complex romantic entanglement. The film likely features thrilling chase sequences on the open sea, dangerous confrontations with the authorities or rival criminals, and the moral dilemmas faced by Hawks as he operates in a grey area between hero and outlaw.

As a pre-Code film, "Corsair" would have been able to explore themes of rebellion against societal norms, moral ambiguity, and potentially more suggestive romantic elements or gritty action than films made after the strict enforcement of the Hays Code.

Key Cast:

Chester Morris as John Hawks

Thelma Todd as Alison Corning

Ned Sparks as Slim

Frank McHugh as Chipsy

Emmett Corrigan as Mr. Corning

Fred Kohler as Big John

Significance:
"Corsair" is an interesting example of early 1930s cinema that explored themes of disillusionment with societal structures, particularly after the Wall Street Crash of 1929. It allowed Chester Morris to play a swashbuckling, morally ambiguous hero, a type of character that was popular in the pre-Code era. Thelma Todd, known for her beauty and comedic timing, also adds significant presence to the film. The movie offers a blend of action, romance, and social commentary, reflecting the anxieties and escapist desires of the time.