Review of Angels with Dirty Faces (1938) by Paul S — 02 Mar 2010
My favourite 1930's gangster film (and probably favourite 30's film in general) just ahead of Howard Hawkes Scarface and fellow Cagney film, The Public Enemy.
Cagney is at his best as recently released gangster Rocky Sullivan, playing his typical violent and dangerous with a heart of gold persona. To counterpoint him we have Pat O'Brien as Rocky's childhood friend who has grown up to become a priest and Humphrey Bogart pre fame as a villainous greedy lawyer.
The film presents the usual rise and fall with a moralistic tone that rather than overwhelming the picture allows Rocky to develop into a sympatetic character presenting the crime tale in a less black and white, and more shades of grey fashion than the Hayes code generally allowed.
This review of Angels with Dirty Faces (1938) was written by Paul S on 02 Mar 2010.
Angels with Dirty Faces has generally received very positive reviews.
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