Bullets or Ballots
“WHO Rules The Rackets ? This picture puts the finger on the political higher-ups!”
Synopsis
After Police Captain Dan McLaren becomes police commissioner, former detective Johnny Blake publicly punches him, convincing rackets boss Al Kruger that Blake is sincere in his effort to join the mob. "Bugs" Fenner, meanwhile, is certain that Blake is a police agent.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Bullets or Ballots - Trailer
Type: Trailer • Published 2020-05-06
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →
Edward G. Robinson
Johnny Blake
Joan Blondell
Lee Morgan
Barton MacLane
Al Kruger
Humphrey Bogart
Bugs Fenner
Frank McHugh
Herman
Joe King
Dan 'Mac' McLaren
Dick Purcell
Ed Driscoll
George E. Stone
Wires Kagel
Joseph Crehan
Grand Jury Spokesman
Henry O'Neill
Ward Bryant
Henry Kolker
Mr. Hollister
Gilbert Emery
Mr. Thorndyke
Herbert Rawlinson
Mr. Caldwell
Louise Beavers
Nellie LaFleur
Norman Willis
Louie Vinci
Russell Beach
Prizefighter (uncredited)
Wilda Bennett
Grand Jury Woman (uncredited)
George Beranger
Waiter (uncredited)
Release History & Theatrical Window
New York City, New York
Festival / Special Debut
June 6, 1936
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- William Keighley
- Screenplay & Story
- Seton I. Miller
- Original Score
- Bernhard Kaun
- Original Title
- Bullets or Ballots
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 22m
- Production Studios
- Warner Bros. Pictures
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
William Keighley
Seton I. Miller, Martin Mooney
Bernhard Kaun
Hal Mohr
Jack Killifer
Louis F. Edelman, Hal B. Wallis, Jack L. Warner
Department Leadership Roster
William Keighley
Director
Jack Killifer
Editor
Hal Mohr
Director of Photography
Seton I. Miller
Screenplay
Louis F. Edelman
Producer
Bernhard Kaun
Original Music Composer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Bullets or Ballots.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Bullets or Ballots.
Gangster
Auto-filled from Letterboxd lists
ALLL MOVIESSS
list0
Humphrey Bogart Portfolio - Movies
Curated master portfolio of movies starring Humphrey Bogart Portfolio - Movies. Updated frequently. Last updated August 30, 2026.
Missing Mine
leftist movies
from ptp
Similar Titles to Bullets or Ballots
Movies sharing stylistic DNA, tone, and thematic storytelling
6.7
7.1
6.6
7.2
6.8
6.3
5.8
6.3
10.0
6.5
5.6
6.6
6.0
6.4
7.3
7.1
7.6
6.0
5.4
7.1
More Like Bullets or Ballots
Recommended titles matching themes, cast, and genres.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bullets or Ballots
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Bullets or Ballots about?
After Police Captain Dan McLaren becomes police commissioner, former detective Johnny Blake publicly punches him, convincing rackets boss Al Kruger that Blake is sincere in his effort to join the mob. "Bugs" Fenner, meanwhile, is certain that Blake is a police agent.
Who directed Bullets or Ballots?
Bullets or Ballots was directed by William Keighley.
Who stars in Bullets or Ballots?
The principal cast of Bullets or Ballots includes Edward G. Robinson, Joan Blondell, Barton MacLane, Humphrey Bogart, Frank McHugh.
When was Bullets or Ballots released and how long is it?
Bullets or Ballots was released in 1936 with a total runtime of 1h 22m.
Who composed the musical score for Bullets or Ballots?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Bullets or Ballots was composed by Bernhard Kaun.