In everything that can be called art there is a quality of redemption. It may be pure tragedy, if it is high tragedy, and it may be pity and irony, and it may be the raucous laughter of the strong man. But down these mean streets a man must go who is not himself mean, who is neither tarnished nor afraid.
— Raymond Chandler: The Simple Art of Murder (1934)
Synopsis: A small-time hood must choose from among love, friendship and the chance to rise within the mob.