Certainly the 1920’s were the “roaring” times of America, but there was considerable hold over of those wild and wooly days. In the 20’s industry and society were still getting over the first major world war. People were suffering the memories of the Great War, as times were still tough for the hard working class of America. This spilled over into the 1930s, too.
Organized crime was making a foothold in the country as the Bonnie and Clyde Era saw rampant robberies and daylight raids. The major crime figures were nearly hailed as heroes as they pillaged the country whilst the everyday person and families continued to try to scratch out a living as best as possible. Then the stock market crashed in 1929. That was the reset button.
The Prohibition Era bought on the wholesale back 40 manufacture of illegal liquor and everything that came with it. Those were perilous times at best with bootleggers being chased across rural counties in an effort to quench the thirst of individuals for a spiked drink to help them forget their woes. Law enforcement became ever more vigilant in an attempt to stop it.
For gun enthusiasts the 20s and 30s brought on a highlighted array of firearms for the commission of crimes as well as personal protection and police action. Though many of the finest firearms of those times were designed and manufactured even before this era, their display was never more evident than during this time frame in history.
The 2012 movie Lawless set in 1931 was a vivid portrayal of those times. Set in Franklin County, Virginia, Lawless was based on the true story of the Bondurant family of bootleggers staring Tom Hardy, Shia LaBeouf, and Jason Clarke as Forrest, Jack, and Howard Bondurant. The arch villainous Special Deputy of law enforcement Charlie Rakes was played by Guy Pearce.
by Dr. John Woods
