Blackmail (1939 film)

Blackmail is a 1939 American crime drama film directed by H. C. Potter and starring Edward G. Robinson, Ruth Hussey and Gene Lockhart.

Plot
John Ingram is a highly successful oil-field firefighter and a family man. It is a contented life, he has even bought his own oil well in hope of striking it rich. His greatest fears are realized, however, when a man, William Ramey, from his secret past sees Ingram in a newsreel and shows up looking for a job.

Ramey attempts to blackmail Ingram, who had run from a chain gang years ago, and began a new life under an assumed name. After a shady deal is made, Ingram is tricked and Ramey turns him into authorities, who return him to a chain gang. Ramey subsequently becomes a very rich man.

When Ingram finds out about the success of the man who betrayed him, he plans a daring escape in an attempt to return home and get revenge.

Ramey has successfully run Ingram's business in his absence;but only because no emergencies have arisen that would require Ingram's special knowledge.

As fate would have it, the escaped Ingram arrives at the plant just as a major oil fire breaks out.

Overpowering Ramey, Ingram slowly drags him towards the heart of the blaze; hinting that unless Ramey makes a full confession; he will do nothing to save them.

A frightened Ramey agrees. Ingram douses the oil fire, and is eventually restored to his former position of respectability.

Cast

 * Edward G. Robinson as John R. Ingram, an alias of John Harrington
 * Ruth Hussey as Helen Ingram
 * Gene Lockhart as William Ramey
 * Bobs Watson as Hank Ingram
 * Guinn 'Big Boy' Williams as Moose McCarthy (as Guinn Williams)
 * John Wray as Diggs
 * Arthur Hohl as Rawlins
 * Esther Dale as Sarah
 * Frank Darien as Watchman (uncredited)
 * Robert Homans as Cooper (uncredited)
 * Ethan Laidlaw as Oil Worker (uncredited)
 * Harry Tenbrook as Truck Driver (uncredited)