The Underbelly of Baltimore: Crime, Gambling, and Survival
Baltimore in the 1930s was a city of stark contrasts—wealthy horse owners rubbed shoulders with street gamblers, and hardworking citizens coexisted with underworld figures. “Dutch and Annie” brings this world to life through its vivid depictions of poker games, taverns, and the bustling docks. Dutch Rhein’s journey takes him from the high-stakes poker circuit to the dark corners of Baltimore’s gambling scene, where loyalty is tested, and danger is always lurking. This article examines the historical and cultural influences that shape the novel’s gritty atmosphere.
