Based on a story by W.R. Burnett, one of the most prolific writers of gangster novels and scenarios, The Beast of the City received noteworthy praise even at the time of its release: The New York Post wrote, "It is brilliantly directed and its excitement seems to spring from natural causes rather than any artificialities imposed on them by the author..." and the New York Times found it "endowed with vitality and realism, the various characters being exceptionally true to life." Walter Huston plays an honest cop who angers some important people in his attempts to put racketeer Jean Hersholt in the clink. Further obstructions along the line of duty take the form of his own crooked brother (Wallace Ford), whose girlfriend (Jean Harlow) has connections in high places. "The Beast of the City...was uncompromising in its study of gangland versus law enforcer practices, without the usual overdose of romantic interest." --"The Great Gangster Films"