Street of Chance (1930 film)

Street of Chance is a pre-Code American crime drama film released in 1930, directed by John Cromwell and starring William Powell, Kay Francis, and Jean Arthur. Based on the short story "Dark Page" by Oliver H.P. Garrett, the film tells the story of John Dory, a charismatic and successful gambler who attempts to escape his life of risk-taking but finds himself pulled back in, ultimately leading to tragic consequences.

The film is notable for its early depiction of gambling addiction and its stark portrayal of the underworld. Powell received critical acclaim for his performance as Dory, showcasing a range beyond his more comedic roles. Street of Chance is considered an important early example of the gangster genre and is valued for its pre-Code sensibilities, which allowed for a more frank depiction of crime and its repercussions than would be permitted later in the 1930s. The plot revolves around Dory's attempts to go straight for his wife and child, but the allure of the gamble proves too strong, resulting in a sequence of events that lead to his downfall. The film explores themes of fate, redemption, and the destructive nature of obsession.