Torrid Zone (1940)

59% of users liked it
(295 ratings)

Torrid Zone star James Cagney once described the film as "The Front Page among the bananas." Indeed, the screenplay diligently follows the Front Page plot device of a tough boss (Pat O'Brien) pulling every underhanded trick in the book to keep his top man (Cagney) from quitting. This time the… More Torrid Zone star James Cagney once described the film as "The Front Page among the bananas." Indeed, the screenplay diligently follows the Front Page plot device of a tough boss (Pat O'Brien) pulling every underhanded trick in the book to keep his top man (Cagney) from quitting. This time the setting is a Central American plantation owned by O'Brien, which supervisor Cagney would dearly love to leave behind. Complicating the plot is a nightclub singer (Anne Sheridan) over whom O'Brien and Tracy do battle; a bored married woman (Helen Vinson) with eyes for Cagney; and a gang of Latino bandits, led by George Tobias (providing comic relief). What Torrid Zone lacked in originality it made up for in sheer energy. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 28 min.
Directed By: William Keighley
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Classics, Comedy

In Theaters: May 25, 1940 Wide
On DVD: Apr 24, 2007

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
It's a good example of a lively Warner Brothers film, where the ensemble studio cast have a great chemistry together.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
...a good showcase for Cagney's versatility and Sheridan's quick-witted banter.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
Harmless fun, the movie is more notable for its attractive stars and snappy dialogue than for anything that actually happens in the plot.

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Cast

            James Cagney as Nick Butler

            Ann Sheridan as Lee Donley

            Pat O'Brien as Steve Case

            Andy Devine as Wally Davis

            Helen Vinson as Gloria Anderson

            Jerome Cowan as Bob Anderson

            George Tobias as Rosario La Mata

            George Reeves as Sancho

            Victor Kilian as Carlos

            Frank Puglia as Rodriguez

            John Ridgely as Gardner

            Grady Sutton as Sam the Secretary

            Paul Porcasi as Garcia the Hotel Bar Proprietor

            Frank Yaconelli as Lopez

            Dick Boteler as Hemandez

            Frank Mayo as Shaffer

            Jack Mower as McNamara

            Paul Hurst as Daniels

            George Regas as Sergeant of Police

            Elvira Sanchez as Rita

            Trevor Bardette as First Policeman

            Wade Boteler
            
            Rafael Corio as Man (uncredited)

            Joe Dominguez as Manuel

            George Humbert as Hotel Manager

            Manuel López as Chico

            Don Orlando as Employee

            Tony Paton as Charley

            Ernesto Piedra as Second Policeman

            Rafael Storm as Man
See full cast