Outside the Law Reviews

Robinson is a two-bit gangster who gets cut into a deal to knock over a bank but becomes the target of a nasty trick played by gang leader Moore. He isn't told when the robbery is supposed to occur. Nolan, Moore's moll, tries to save him by telling him that the heist is taking place in a week, but Robinson learns that while they are gabbing the burglary is in progress. He rushes to the scene and is killed by the cops. Moore and Nolan end up doing time. A poor film on all fronts, including a vapid performance from Robinson. OUTSIDE THE LAW was one of a trio of gangster roles for Robinson (the others being NIGHT RIDE and THE WIDOW FROM CHICAGO) in 1930, a year before he got it right in LITTLE CAESAR. OUTSIDE THE LAW was previously filmed in 1920 by Tod Browning with Lon Chaney in the lead. The second version was undertaken after Browning gave up his plans to film THE SEA BAT. This abandoned project was to have been shot in Bermuda, incorporating actual voodoo ceremonies. He left his interest in the bizarre behind him for this uninspired picture, but would return to it two years later with FREAKS.