SUICIDE SQUAD

(director: Raymond K. Johnson; screenwriter: story by Ray Nazzaro & C.E. Roberts/Homer King Gordon; cinematographer: James Diamond; editor: Arthur Brooks; music: Abe Meyer; cast: Norman Foster (Larry Parker), Joyce Compton (Mary O’Connor), Robert Homans (Tim O’Connor), Jack Luden (Ed Drake), Aggie Herring (Mother), Peter Warren (Mickey), Phil Kramer (Snaps); Runtime: 58; MPAA Rating: NR; producer: C.C. Burr; Sinister; 1935)

“The creaky poverty row film didn’t do anything for me.”

Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz

Raymond K. Johnson (“Broken Strings”/”Spring Affair”) directs from a story by Ray Nazzaro & C.E. Roberts, and a script by Homer King Gordon.

Captain Tim O’Connor (Robert Homans) heads the fire department’s “Suicide Squad.” His daughter Mary (Joyce Compton) is the girlfriend of big talker taxi driver Larry Parker (Norman Foster). Ed Drake (Jack Luden), a member of her father’s department, is Larry’s rival. When Larry joins the squad, upon the invite from the captain, Ed arranges his schedule so its hard to date Mary.

When alone in the firehouse, Larry sees a robbery and uses the firetruck to capture the criminal. Honored by the public as a hero, he’s still admonished by the firemen leaders for leaving his post.

After another heroic fire rescue by Larry, whereby he again abandons his post, he’s demoted. Now ostracized by the other firemen as a showoff, the unhappy Larry quits and again drives a cab. While riding around, he spots an explosion on a ship with Mary and her little brother Mickey (Peter Warren) aboard. Larry defies procedure and makes a risky rescue. Because of his actions, everyone is safe. Tim restores him as a fireman and gives his consent for him to marry Mary.

The creaky poverty row film didn’t do anything for me.

REVIEWED ON 6/25/2016 GRADE: C+