I Sell Anything (1934)

Set in Depression era New York, a con man (Pat O'Brien} works out of an auction shop on Second Avenue swindling suckers out of their money. But when a Fifth Avenue society dame (Claire Dodd) swindles him out of $5,000, he just might have met his match. Directed by Robert Florey (MURDERS IN THE RUE MORGUE), this pre-code film about con men and hustlers is fast entertainment. Pat O'Brien is an affable mug which makes it easier to like his swindler, maybe because we know he's a softie underneath. Pretty Ann Dvorak's loyal girl Friday provides the contrast to Dodd's snooty Fifth Avenue predator who captures O'Brien's fancy but we all know who he'll end up with. It's a modest and quick (one hour and 19 minutes) diversion. With Roscoe Karns and Hobart Cavanaugh.