The Boss (1956)

Beginning in 1919, a ruthless veteran (John Payne) inherits the clout of his political kingpin brother (Roy Roberts) and climbs the ladder of corruption all the way to the top of his state. Then comes the downfall. Directed by Byron Haskin (WAR OF THE WORLDS), the crime film with noir elements may be a B movie but it's very effective. Payne is very good as the arrogant crime boss who believes his power is untouchable but his faith in those around him contribute to his downfall. Payne's crime boss comes across as a man to be pitied rather than scorned. He believes in the loyalty of his best friend and so do we but eventually the boss's corruption reaches him too. The most interesting character is the plain Jane (Gloria McGehee) that he marries in a drunken stupor but his pride refuses to let her get a divorce. He treats her abominably and the irony is that she is the only loyal person in his life and only at the end does he realize how different his life could have been but it's too late. Not a particularly original film but better than a lot of well known noirs. With Doe Avedon, William Bishop, Rhys Williams and Joe Flynn.