Review of Angels with Dirty Faces (1938) by Michael W — 04 Mar 2008
Angels With Dirty Faces is the defining film in the careers of James Cagney and Pat O'Brien. James Cagney is absolutely brilliant as Rocky Sullivan, the gangster who returns home for the first time in years to reunite with childhood friend Jerry Connolly, who went a different way and became a priest. O'Brien gives a convincing performance as Father Connolly. Humphrey Bogart stars alongside the two. This film comes before his most famous appearances in films like The Maltese Falcon and Casablanca.
This film has a wonderful story. My favorite aspect of it all is trying to decide whether Rocky's return and status among Father Connolly's troubled youth is a good or bad thing. For one, the kids actually listen to him. On the other hand, Rocky isn't quite done with trouble, setting a bad example for the kids. Great performances and tremendous directing by Michael Curtiz (who would go on to direct Bogart in the phenomenal Casablanca) add up to a fantastic early noir/gangster film.
This review of Angels with Dirty Faces (1938) was written by Michael W on 04 Mar 2008.
Angels with Dirty Faces has generally received very positive reviews.
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