Buy Me That Town (1941) in Color — Starring Lloyd Nolan & Constance Moore

Plot Summary

Rickey Donavon is a successful but restless gangster looking for a new racket when he stumbles upon an unusual opportunity. A small New Jersey town has gone bankrupt, and its government is being dissolved. Rickey realises that by purchasing the town outright, he can control everything — the police, the courts, the taxes — creating a perfect haven for his criminal operations while appearing to be a legitimate businessman and civic leader.

With his gang providing the muscle and his quick mind supplying the strategy, Rickey takes over the town and immediately begins transforming it into a profitable operation. But instead of using it purely as a criminal front, Rickey discovers something unexpected — he has genuine talent for civic management. Under his pragmatic leadership, the town begins to thrive, businesses open, citizens prosper, and Rickey finds himself doing actual good despite his original intentions.

Complications arise when Rickey falls for a local woman whose integrity and values challenge everything he has ever believed about himself and the world. Her influence, combined with the genuine satisfaction he derives from seeing the town prosper under his management, begins to transform Rickey from the inside out. But his criminal associates are not ready to let their profitable partner go straight, and his past keeps threatening to catch up with him.

A determined prosecutor who suspects the truth about Rickey’s background adds further pressure, investigating the gangster-turned-mayor while the town’s citizens rally to defend the man who has brought them prosperity and hope. The climax forces Rickey to choose definitively between his old criminal life and the new legitimate existence that has given him something he never expected to find — a sense of purpose, belonging, and genuine respect.

Cast & Crew

Director: Eugene Forde

Stars: Lloyd Nolan, Constance Moore, Albert Dekker, Sheldon Leonard, Vera Vague, Edward Brophy, Warren Hymer

Lloyd Nolan brings his characteristic blend of toughness and charm to the lead role, making the gangster-turned-civic-leader both credible and likeable. Constance Moore provides warm romantic interest, and Albert Dekker adds dramatic tension as the antagonist. Sheldon Leonard is entertaining as one of Rickey’s colourful associates.

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

The colorization of Buy Me That Town enhances the contrast between the grimy urban gangster world and the quaint small-town setting, adding visual warmth to the transformation of both the town and its unlikely benefactor. Now also available in colour. The colour presentation brings new richness to the period settings and the comedic performances. Buy Buy Me That Town (1941) Colorized – €15.00

Historical Significance

Buy Me That Town offers a witty variation on the gangster genre that was hugely popular in the early 1940s, demonstrating Hollywood’s ability to find clever new angles on established formulas. The premise was actually inspired by real events of bankrupt municipalities during the Great Depression. Through colorization, this entertaining crime comedy has been preserved for modern audiences.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 digital download
• Resolution: HD 720p
• Colorized: Yes — AI-assisted colorization
• Audio: English mono soundtrack
• Runtime: Approximately 70 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes — play on any device
• Instant download: Yes
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Is this a comedy or a crime film?
A: Buy Me That Town brilliantly combines both genres, offering the excitement of a gangster story with the humour of a fish-out-of-water comedy as a criminal discovers he is better at running a town than running a racket.

Q: Is the premise based on real events?
A: The concept was inspired by actual cases of municipalities going bankrupt during the Great Depression, though the gangster-buys-a-town storyline is fictional.

Q: Who is Lloyd Nolan?
A: Lloyd Nolan was a versatile character actor and leading man who appeared in over 100 films, known for his tough-guy roles and natural screen presence that made him ideal for this kind of crime comedy.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as a high-quality MP4 file that plays on virtually any modern device including computers, tablets, smartphones, and smart TVs.

Q: Is there DRM protection on the file?
A: No, the download is completely DRM-free, meaning you own the file outright and can watch it on any device without restrictions or internet requirements.

Q: How quickly can I watch after purchase?
A: The download is available instantly after payment is confirmed, allowing you to start watching within minutes of your purchase.

Related Colorized Classics

• Abandon Ship (1957)
• A Slight Case of Murder (1938)
• Island in the Sky (1953)
• Brother Orchid (1940)
• The Lemon Drop Kid (1951)