Review of The Mayor of Hell (1933) by James-Masaki R — 24 Jul 2011

Another relatively unknown film from the early 1930's. "The Mayor of Hell" consists of several young boys who live in the city slums and only get through life by causing havoc on the streets.

Sadly, their latest attempt to steal ends with a critical injury towards a store owner and the boys are convicted of the brutal assault and sent to a military school. The leader of the school causes them to suffer through poor living conditions and it is isn't until a new man (James Cagney) comes in and changes everything around.

Though at times the dialogue is a bit corny, I found this to be a very interesting film, especially when Cagney makes the boy behave well by working peacefully on the premise as normal city workers and establishing a mayor and other important jobs at the same time.

I did actually like this film and it is mildly entertaining.