The Big Shakedown (1934): cast, story & where to watch
1934 · Film · ★ 5.4
Released in 1934, The Big Shakedown is a drama and crime film directed by John Francis Dillon, running about 61 minutes. “A New Type of Racket Exposed! In This Thrilling Underworld Drama” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. Former bootlegger Dutch Barnes pressures neighborhood druggist Jimmy Morrell into making cut-rate knockoff toiletry, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical products.
Who’s in it. The Big Shakedown stars Charles Farrell as Jimmy Morrell, Bette Davis as Norma Nelson, Ricardo Cortez as Dutch Barnes and Glenda Farrell as Lily 'Lil' Duran, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 5.4/10, The Big Shakedown has proved divisive with audiences.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Big Shakedown page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Big Shakedown tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Big Shakedown (1934)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Big Shakedown change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is The Big Shakedown worth watching?
- The Big Shakedown holds an audience score of 5.4 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama and crime. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in The Big Shakedown?
- The Big Shakedown stars Charles Farrell, Bette Davis, Ricardo Cortez, Glenda Farrell and Allen Jenkins.
- When was The Big Shakedown released?
- The Big Shakedown was released in 1934, with a runtime of about 61 minutes.