Overview
In a world of political corruption and crime, loyalty is tested and secrets are deadly.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- brooding
- tense
- sardonic
- classic noir night
- mystery movie marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly regard it as an entertaining and stylish film noir strengthened by Alan Ladd's charisma and the central cast's appeal, though it is less complex and politically damning than Hammett's novel.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Paul Madvig's reelection campaign, Ralph Henry's reform platform, Nick Varna's pressure, and the newspaper's manipulation of suspicion make civic power central to the crime plot.
Ed Beaumont functions as Paul's right-hand man and remains tied to him while investigating Taylor's murder and resisting Varna's pressure.
The murder investigation, racketeer influence, gambling culture, and compromised public institutions place the film firmly within classic American film noir.
Nick Varna coerces publisher Clyde Matthews into using The Observer to suggest that Paul killed Taylor Henry.
Films like The Glass Key, and why
The Maltese Falcon
Shared film noir atmosphere, political corruption, criminal power networks, and a morally ambiguous investigation.
The Big Sleep
Shared Dashiell Hammett source material, hard-boiled mystery, urban criminal intrigue, and terse romantic tension.
This Gun for Hire
Shared Paramount film noir style, gangster politics, betrayal, and a charismatic Alan Ladd performance.
Movie Details
- Director
- Stuart Heisler
- Release Date
- 1942-09-08
- Runtime
- 85 min
- Rating
- 6.7 / 10 (135)
Cast
- Brian Donlevy
- Veronica Lake
- Alan Ladd
- Bonita Granville
- Richard Denning
- Joseph Calleia
- William Bendix
- Frances Gifford
- Donald MacBride
- Margaret Hayes
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The Glass Key about?
- A hard-boiled political murder mystery follows a gangster-backed politician and his loyal lieutenant through betrayal, newspaper manipulation, and urban corruption.
- What is The Glass Key like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Glass Key as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is The Glass Key violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in The Glass Key as moderate.
- What did critics think of The Glass Key?
- Critics broadly regard it as an entertaining and stylish film noir strengthened by Alan Ladd's charisma and the central cast's appeal, though it is less complex and politically damning than Hammett's novel.
- Which films are like The Glass Key?
- Films with a similar feel include The Maltese Falcon, The Big Sleep, and This Gun for Hire.
- How long is The Glass Key?
- The Glass Key runs 85 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Glass Key?
- In United States, The Glass Key is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
