Thunderbolt (1931) Director: William Nigh Studio: Universal Pictures Starring: Thomas Meighan, Leila Hyams, Mickey Rooney, James Gleason Release Date: March 1931 Runtime: 72 minutes Format: Black-and-White Country: United States Language: English Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller --- Summary: *Thunderbolt* is a crime drama centered on the exploits of a notorious gangster, nicknamed Thunderbolt, who is on the run from law enforcement while attempting to maintain control over his criminal empire. As the tension escalates, the film explores loyalty, betrayal, and the moral consequences of a life of crime. Featuring intense confrontations, strategic heists, and emotional dilemmas, the story captures the excitement and danger of the Prohibition-era underworld. --- Background: Directed by William Nigh and produced by Universal Pictures, *Thunderbolt* is a pre-Code crime drama that reflects the fascination with gangster stories during the early 1930s. The film incorporates the era’s cinematic techniques for tension and suspense, including dynamic camera angles and dramatic lighting. It also features the talents of Thomas Meighan, a veteran actor transitioning from silent films to talkies, and a young Mickey Rooney in a supporting role. --- Trivia: * The film was released during the pre-Code era, allowing for more realistic depictions of crime and moral ambiguity. * Thomas Meighan, a silent film star, successfully made the transition to sound films with roles like this. * Mickey Rooney, only 11 years old at the time, had a small supporting role but later became one of Hollywood’s most prolific actors. * The movie reflects the public’s fascination with gangsters and organized crime during the Prohibition era. --- Hashtags: \#Thunderbolt #WilliamNigh #UniversalPictures #ThomasMeighan #MickeyRooney #PreCodeHollywood #CrimeDrama #ClassicCinema #GangsterFilm