Gangsters, Hollywood Style

The 30s ushered in gangsters.  Whether Hollywoods version of organized crime was authentic or not, it helped make stars.

Little Caesar (1930) Mervyn Le Roy directed Edward G. Robinson in his signature role as "Rico" Bandello.  A two-bit hood who rockets to the top of the underworld, only to descend to the lowest depth with equal speed.  Robinson would continue in hundreds of movies, but his work here is the one he is most remembered for.

The Public Enemy (1931) William Wellman directs James Cagney in the role that made him a household name.  Much like "Goodfellas" this film follows Tom Powers, who's life on the streets leads him to a life of crime and easy money.

Scarface, The Shame of a Nation (1932) Howard Hawks directs Paul Muni.  Muni is Tony Camonte, a gangster loosely based on the story of Al Capone.  This one encountered stiff opposition from the review board, requiring censorship.  The final edited product was disowned by producer Howard Hughes, who the took his original version to states without strict censors.

Angels With Dirty Faces (1938) Directed by Michael Curtiz, follows Rocky Sullivan and Jerry Connelly, two kids on the road to nowhere.  Caught in an act of mischief, Rocky is caught while Jerry gets away.  Rocky spends time in reform school returning to the old neighborhood as James Cagney, who has no intention of going straight.  Jerry, seeing the error of his ways, has become the priestly Pat O'Brien who has opened a home for wayward boys.   Humphrey Bogart and George Bancroft launch a failed attempt to "rub out" Rocky which leads to homicide that sends Rocky to Death Row.

Force of Evil (1948) Abraham Polonsky's crime drama stars John Garfield as a lawyer working for a crime boss.  What starts as a spotless reputation is easily marred by association with the bosses numbers rackets that is being managed by his brother.

White Heat (1949) Raoul Walsh's brings back Cagney, as Cody Jarrett a cold blooded, gang leader who loves his mother.  Cody is not above killing to get what he wants and actually does go up in a blaze of glory.

Notable Exceptions: The Roaring Twenties (1939) Final team up of Cagney and Bogart.  A look at the rise of criminal element created by the Volstead Act.