Review of The Roaring Twenties (1939) by Eric H — 07 Jul 2013
Gangster films were all the rage in the 1930s, and 'The Roaring Twenties (1939)' is another excellent Warner Brothers addition.While there were a lot of gangster films made by Warner Brothers in the 30s and very early 40s, this stands out as perhaps one of the very best.
Part of this is due to the pairing of Cagney AND Bogart, as there is so much energy and excellent "thuggish" acting that it's hard to get bored watching it. About the only negative at all is that as Humphrey Bogart was not yet a breakout star, it's rather predictable what will happen in a showdown with Cagney.
But despite this, watch the movie. It's got all the ingredients of a fine gangster flick--excellent acting, writing, a breezy pace and the Warner Brother's trademark of both quality and action designed for the common man.
"The Roaring Twenties", though fictional in its story, is very much a historical document, inasmuch as real events drive the script's overarching themes, and steer characters into choices and situations they find themselves in.
Regrettably, this film is not in the National Film Registry. It should be.
This review of The Roaring Twenties (1939) was written by Eric H on 07 Jul 2013.
The Roaring Twenties has generally received very positive reviews.
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