RKO Classic Adventures

The Pay-Off (1930)

Pre-Code crime drama about Gene Fenmore (Lowell Sherman, who also directed), a disillusioned underworld boss who falls madly in love with a girl (Marion Nixon) pining for an innocent death row inmate. Realizing that he has knowledge that could clear the condemned man, Fenmore faces a crisis of conscience. Gripping adaptation of the 1927 play "Crime," later remade as "Law of the Underworld," co-stars William Janney, Hugh Trevor. 71 min. BW/Rtg: NR

The Silver Horde (1930)

One of Joel McCrea's first starring breakthroughs was this macho role as Alaskan salmon fisherman Boyd Emerson, who fights a dirty-dealing rival with both fists. Also in an early role is Jean Arthur, as society girl Mildred Wayland, bidding for Boyd's affection against a dancehall floozy. Co-stars Evelyn Brent, Louis Wolheim, Raymond Hatton, and Blanche Sweet, in her final film. 74 min. BW/Rtg: NR

The Painted Desert (1931)

The discovery of a baby boy inside a deserted covered wagon starts a nasty feud between the two cowboys (J. Farrell MacDonald, William Farnum) who discover him. Taken by one and raised to adulthood, Bill (William Boyd) falls in love with the daughter (Helen Twelvetrees) of his other would-be father. Very loosely based on "Romeo and Juliet," this story set in the Arizona wilderness co-stars Charles Sellon, Hugh Adams, and, in his first talking film, Clark Gable as the villain. 74 min. BW/Rtg: NR