An underrated classic with James Cagney and Pat O'Brien in the leading roles and Humphrey Bogart as a whimpering slimy lawyer. Also stars the Dead End Kids. A classic with all the ingredients and hasn't been shown on Turner broadcasting for 4 years. A definitely must have for fans of any of those characters or gangster films in general.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Angels with Dirty Faces (1938) is a great gangster film starring some of the top actors from that genre. James Cagney and Pat O'Brien play childhood chums - they were friends in real life, too - who grow up on opposite sides of the law. It's an often-used storyline, but Michael Curtiz directs a true standout. Cagney is a gangster who seeks his part in the organization of which Humphrey Bogart is second in command. Bogey had promised to set up connections for Cagney when Jimmy took the wrap for a crime they both committed, but now he has no intentions of letting Cagney in, forcing Jimmy to blackmail him. Meanwhile, O'Brien has become a priest whose chief task is to reform a group of troublemakers played by the Dead End Kids. When the boys meet Cagney, they quickly come to admire and imitate him. O'Brien is determined to prevent gangsters from being the idols of children and starts a campaign to arrest and try Cagney, Bogey, and the other gangsters. The story is very dramatic, and the acting is great. Cagney gives a masterful, Oscar-nominated performance, culminating in his remarkable final scene. I highly recommend Angels with Dirty Faces to those who love film, excellent acting, and gangster pictures. If you like this movie, you may also be interested in Manhattan Melodrama (1932), which stars Clark Gable, William Powell, and Myrna Loy in a similar plot. The earlier picture is different and interesting because Powell plays a politician with the option to pardon his childhood friend, Gable, from execution, a choice which Pat O'Brien's character doesn't have to make in Angels with Dirty Faces.Read full review
This is a true classic in every sence of the word . James Cagney was top tier when it came to acting, in this film he plays an ex tough guy who is still very tough. but walking a somewhat strait path . He meets up with a gang of youth's who reminds him of when he was a young thug in the street's ,and he meets an old friend who has now converted to christianity . His old friend is trying to help the youth's to become decent law abiding citizens , but he could use a little help from his old friend Cagney , someone who's been there and done it all, someone who's openion the kid's respect . I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and I think you will also.
great movie about a gangster and street kids who look up to him and his best friend who is a priest who is trying to stop him from turning the kids into the gansters like his friend. very entertaining start to finish, a movie you can watch over and over a must see
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
As a newly born Cagney fan I couldn't wait to get my hands on this movie, I had heard nothing but amazing things. I expected a lot but came away with a lot more. I found myself sitting on the floor, 2 feet from my T.V. like a child in wonder during the last moments of the movie. Cagney delivers such an amazing performance, as well as a remarkable supporting cast. This is a movie that will leave an affect on you. And be prepared to sit around for a while contemplating, did he or didn't he?
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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