Greatest 19 Crime Movies Editor's Choice from 1930

The rise and inevitable fall of an amoral but naive young woman whose insouciant eroticism inspires lust and violence in those around her. Details on Pandora's Box / IMDB / YouTube

A juror in a murder trial, after voting to convict, has second thoughts and begins to investigate on his own before the execution. Look into Murder! / IMDB / YouTube

A convict falls in love with his new cellmate's sister, only to become embroiled in a planned break-out which is certain to have lethal consequences. Explore The Big House / IMDB / YouTube

In order to claim an inheritance, the boys present themselves at a creaky, bat-filled mansion on a stormy night. Details on The Laurel-Hardy Murder Case / IMDB / YouTube

Joe May's sensual drama of life in the Berlin underworld is in many ways the perfect summation of German filmmaking in the silent era: a dazzling visual style, a psychological approach to its characters, and the ability to take a simple and essentially melodramatic story and turn it into something more complex and inherently cinematic. Info on Asphalt / IMDB / YouTube

Professor Echo, a ventriloquist, forms a burglary ring. He disguises himself as an elderly pet store owner selling talking birds to the wealthy, using his skills to make the birds seem to talk while casing the homes for robberies. Get info on The Unholy Three / IMDB / YouTube

When paroled trustee Steve and former inmate Judy who try to put their criminal lives behind them are blackmailed, two career criminals come to their rescue. Info on Up the River / IMDB / YouTube

Despite his efforts to go straight, a young gangster keeps falling back into crime. Read about The Doorway to Hell / IMDB / YouTube

A master criminal terrorizes the occupants of an isolated country mansion. Info on The Bat Whispers / IMDB / YouTube

A distinguished English gentleman has a secret life--he is the notorious jewel thief the press has dubbed The Amateur Cracksman. When he meets a woman and falls in love he decides to retire from that life, but an old friend comes to him with a predicament that entails him committing one last job. Look into Raffles / IMDB / YouTube

Turner, unjustly imprisoned, rejoins former inmates to con elderly men into marriage proposals. Initially seeking vengeance, she ultimately finds redemption and a new path. See more about Paid / IMDB / YouTube

When the body of a man nicknamed Cock Robin is found with an arrow in the heart on an archery range along with a chess bishop as a clue, Philo Vance investigates. Learn about The Bishop Murder Case / IMDB / YouTube

Ma Delano (Lucille LaVerne) runs a boardwalk penny arcade and lives upstairs with her sons Harry and Joe (James Cagney and Ray Gallagher) and daughter Jennie (Evalyn Knapp); their story involves rum-running, accidental murder, and a frame-up. Details on Sinners' Holiday / IMDB / YouTube

Hoping to use the publicity to get re-elected, a judge sentences a notorious gangster to fight in the war. Get info on Born Reckless / IMDB / YouTube

A ruthless, crooked stockbroker is murdered at his luxurious country estate, and detective Philo Vance just happens to be there. He decides to find out who killed him. Read about The Benson Murder Case / IMDB / YouTube

A Havana bar girl with a tough protector falls for a young sailor. Info on Her Man / IMDB / YouTube

A big-time, but honest gambler has to prevent his younger brother from following in his footsteps, and taking up gambling. Learn about Street of Chance / IMDB / YouTube

Woman swears revenge against an Inspector who was responsible for her father's death. Learn about Framed / IMDB / YouTube

A cautionary tale. Ellen's past as a party girl is carefully hidden but may be exposed when another party girl tricks her fiance into marriage. Learn about Party Girl / IMDB / YouTube