"In this rousing crime drama, a hard-nosed gang of criminals attempts to move in on local food distribution channels. Vowing to break down their strong-arming operation is heroic city market official Michael Lynn (John Litel), who hopes to disband the racket by removing the operation head from power. Lynn's scheme is to infiltrate the gang as an incompetent stooge on the government's payroll, unmask the leader's identity, and then make his deadly move," according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis.
Mr. Litel gets to play the leading man, but in a low-budget, under-rehearsed quickie. Perky reporter Florence Rice (as Linda Gregory), in her penultimate screen appearance, is Litel's main female interest. Ms. Rice wears very TALL headgear. "The Boss of Big Town" offers some good-looking 1940s female fashion, with a California pool scene, and Jean Brooks (as Iris Moore).
There is also an opportunity to see Howard Hughes protégée David Bacon (as Dr. Gil Page). In real life, Mr. Bacon would soon be found stabbed to death, in an odd, unsolved Hollywood murder. Silent film veterans H.B. Warner (as Jeffrey Moore) and John Miljan (as Kenneth Craige), along with future veteran Frank Ferguson (as Bram Hart), are among those who fail to generate any additional excitement.
*** The Boss of Big Town (12/7/42) Arthur Dreifuss ~ John Litel, Florence Rice, David Bacon, H.B. Warner