This Is My Affair

This Is My Affair, a 1932 American crime drama film, starring Adolphe Menjou as Lt. Richard L. Perry, is based on a 1929 novel by Edgar Wallace. The film, also known as The Saint Takes Manhattan, is an engaging tale of crime, deception, and the cat-and-mouse game between an elite detective and cunning thieves in the city of Chicago during a time of great social change. President William McKinley, portrayed as a respected and astute leader, approaches Lt. Richard L. Perry with a crucial task. The President has been informed of a string of high-profile bank robberies in the Midwest, and he needs someone with Perry's exceptional detective skills to root out the culprits. McKinley is well aware of the gravity of this crime spree, which is not only causing financial strain but also putting the safety and security of the general public at risk. McKinley asks Perry to go undercover, a move that sets Perry's life on a rollercoaster of intrigue and deception. Perry's mission is not only to catch the perpetrators but also to uncover the mastermind behind the robbery gang. The Saint Paul robbery is particularly intriguing, as it hints at a highly organized and sophisticated operation with inside help. Without hesitation, Perry decides to take on the task, embracing the clandestine world of espionage and assuming the life of a high-stakes gambler, seeking information and connections to help him crack the case. Perry travels to Chicago, where he immerses himself in the city's vibrant underworld, gathering details and piecing together the puzzle of the robbery gang. As Perry navigates the intricate world of gangsters and high-stakes thieves, the movie masterfully portrays the dark atmosphere of the city. He walks the thin line between loyalty and deception, forming uneasy friendships with unsavory characters, including notorious figures like Johnny Akeley and Steve, and the enigmatic Kitty, a sophisticated and alluring female with an intricate history. The plot thickens when Perry becomes involved with Kitty, whose intentions are not immediately clear. Her enigmatic nature only heightens the tension, and Perry remains perplexed by her true allegiance. However, his attraction to her draws him deeper into the world of crime, where the stakes are high and loyalty is an alien concept. Through his encounters with Akeley and the other gang members, Perry gains insight into their inner workings and the extent of their operation. He uncovers evidence of corruption and deceit within the banking system and government circles. This knowledge, though valuable, also puts a target on his back, making it increasingly difficult for Perry to stay one step ahead of his adversaries. At the same time, Perry's involvement attracts the attention of a local journalist who begins to investigate the truth behind the bank robberies. While Perry tries to keep a distance from the press, the journalist's inquiry brings the mystery out of the shadows, and Perry finds himself at the center of a rapidly escalating investigation. As the web of deceit and crime is slowly unraveled, Perry draws nearer to the mastermind behind the heists. He realizes that the true extent of the conspiracy goes far beyond simple bank robbery, revealing a larger scheme that threatens to destabilize the economy and tarnish the reputation of the city's leaders. Ultimately, Perry's perseverance and astute thinking help him piece together the final fragments of the mystery. He gathers a team of trusted allies to help him bring down the mastermind and dismantle the crime syndicate. Although the journey is perilous, Perry's unyielding determination guides him through the treacherous landscape of corruption and deception. In conclusion, This Is My Affair, a gripping and suspenseful crime drama, masterfully explores the intricate cat-and-mouse game between Lt. Richard L. Perry and the cunning thieves in Chicago during the early 20th century. The film presents a riveting portrayal of the world of crime and corruption in the city, drawing viewers into the dark side of human nature and the unrelenting pursuit of justice.