Bullets or Ballots backdrop

CRIME . 1936 . 1h 22m . 6.6/10

Bullets or Ballots_

"WHO Rules The Rackets ? This picture puts the finger on the political higher-ups!"

After Police Captain Dan McLaren becomes police commissioner, former detective Johnny Blake publicly punches him, convincing rackets boss Al Kruger that Blake is sincere in his effort to join the mob. "Bugs" Fenner, meanwhile, is certain that Blake is a police agent.

Starring Edward G. Robinson, Joan Blondell, Barton MacLane

6.6/10

Rating

1h 22m

Runtime

1936

Year

Updated Feb 16, 2026

Bullets or Ballots poster

WHO Rules The Rackets ? This picture puts the finger on the political higher-ups!

After Police Captain Dan McLaren becomes police commissioner, former detective Johnny Blake publicly punches him, convincing rackets boss Al Kruger that Blake is sincere in his effort to join the mob. "Bugs" Fenner, meanwhile, is certain that Blake is a police agent.

WHERE TO WATCH

Apple TV 6 countries

Prime Video 5 countries

YouTube 2 countries

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DROPTHE_ GOSSIP

Cast

Edward G. Robinson stars as Johnny Blake in Bullets or Ballots.

Edward G. Robinson →

Year context

Bullets or Ballots was released 90 years ago in 1936.

Overview

After Police Captain Dan McLaren becomes police commissioner, former detective Johnny Blake publicly punches him, convincing rackets boss Al Kruger that Blak...

Bullets or Ballots is a Crime, Drama film with a runtime of 1h 22m.

CAST (20)

Edward G. Robinson

Edward G. Robinson

Joan Blondell

Barton MacLane

Barton MacLane

Al Kruger

Humphrey Bogart

Humphrey Bogart

Frank McHugh

Joe King

Joe King

Dan 'Mac' McLaren

Dick Purcell

George E. Stone

George E. Stone

Joseph Crehan

Grand Jury Spokesman

Henry O'Neill

Henry O'Neill

Ward Bryant

Henry Kolker

Gilbert Emery

Herbert Rawlinson

Herbert Rawlinson

Mr. Caldwell

Louise Beavers

Norman Willis

Norman Willis

Louie Vinci

RB

Russell Beach

Prizefighter (uncredited)

Wilda Bennett

Grand Jury Woman (uncredited)

George Beranger

George Beranger

Waiter (uncredited)

Tom Brower

Police Captain (uncredited)

RB

Raymond Brown

Proprietor in Newsreel (uncredited)

DETAILS

Release

June 6, 1936

Status

Released

Runtime

82 min (1h 22m)

Country

United States

Rating

6.6/10 (49 votes)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Bullets or Ballots about?

After Police Captain Dan McLaren becomes police commissioner, former detective Johnny Blake publicly punches him, convincing rackets boss Al Kruger that Blake is sincere in his effort to join the mob. "Bugs" Fenner, meanwhile, is certain that Blake is a police agent.

How long is Bullets or Ballots?

Bullets or Ballots has a runtime of 82 minutes (1h 22m).

Who stars in Bullets or Ballots?

The cast of Bullets or Ballots includes Edward G. Robinson, Joan Blondell, Barton MacLane, Humphrey Bogart, Frank McHugh.

What is the rating of Bullets or Ballots?

Bullets or Ballots has a rating of 6.6 out of 10 based on 49 votes on TMDB.

GENRES (2)

Crime Drama