Top 17 Crime Movies Must-Watch Released in 1931

When the police in a German city are unable to catch a child-murderer, other criminals join in the manhunt. Learn about M / IMDB / YouTube

An Irish-American street punk tries to make it big in the world of organized crime. Get info on The Public Enemy / IMDB / YouTube

A small-time criminal moves to a big city to seek bigger fortune. Explore Little Caesar / IMDB / YouTube

Maurice Legrand, a meek cashier married to a nagging wife, has a secret passion: he's a Sunday painter. He falls in love with Lulu, a young woman dominated by Dédé, the pimp who she works for. Dédé pushes Lulu into a relationship with him. Explore The Bitch / IMDB / YouTube

A nurse enlists the help of a petty criminal to foil a sinister plot to murder two children. Look into Night Nurse / IMDB / YouTube

A semi-fictionalized account of the life of Mata Hari, an exotic dancer who was accused of spying for Germany during World War I. See more about Mata Hari / IMDB / YouTube

A crusading newspaper editor tricks his retiring star reporter into covering one last case. Find out about The Front Page / IMDB / YouTube

A lovely dame with dangerous lies employs the services of a private detective, who is quickly caught up in the mystery and intrigue of a statuette known as the Maltese Falcon. Check out The Maltese Falcon / IMDB / YouTube

An alcoholic lawyer who successfully defended a notorious gambler on a murder charge objects when his free-spirited daughter becomes romantically involved with him. Check out A Free Soul / IMDB / YouTube

Two guys end up in prison after attempting to sell beer to a policeman during Prohibition. Get info on Pardon Us / IMDB / YouTube

The City Editor of a sleazy tabloid goes against his own journalistic ethics to resurrect a twenty year old murder case - with tragic results. Explore Five Star Final / IMDB / YouTube

The adventures of an egoistic con man and his glamorous accomplice. Check out Blonde Crazy / IMDB / YouTube

A Greek barber has uncommon skills in playing poker and soon rises in the seedy world of illegal gambling, but pretty blondes remain his Achilles' heel. Details on Smart Money / IMDB / YouTube

After accidentally killing the man who raped her and forced her into prostitution, a New Orleans woman flees to a Caribbean island. While she awaits her fiancé, the vicious local police chief sets his sights on her. Info on Safe in Hell / IMDB / YouTube

Man joins a gang to free his girlfriend from prison. Learn about City Streets / IMDB / YouTube

The unsolved murder of a Hollywood actor several years earlier and an enigmatic psychic are the keys to help Charlie solve the Honolulu stabbing death of a beautiful actress. Look into The Black Camel / IMDB / YouTube

After a failed attempt at running for governor, D.A. Mark Brady is appointed warden of the state prison where many of the criminals he prosecuted are incarcerated. More about The Criminal Code / IMDB / YouTube