Angels with Dirty Faces

Starring: James Cagney, Pat O'Brien, Humphrey Bogart, Ann Sheridan, George Bancroft
Directed by: Michael Curtiz
Rating: Not rated
Genre: Drama, Crime
1938

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: A gangster (James Cagney) is released from prison and begins trying to get back into the crime world he left behind when he went away. He is idolized by a gang of children. He meets up with his old friend, now a priest (Pat O'Brien) who tries to convince him to give up his old ways, and if not, to at least save the kids from growing up to be like their idol.

Review:

Tim: This is pretty good film that might have been better. The story is the often told one about two childhood friends where one grows up good, the other bad. This story is told here with more emotion and heart than you might expect.

James Cagney is good in the role, but I wasn't much of a fan of him. He just wasn't believable to me. He is very, very short, and I just couldn't picture him as an intimidating gangster. His "Whadda ya hear! Whadda say!" mannerism is pretty good.

Pat O'Brien is good as Cagney's childhood friend turned priest. Humphrey Bogart has virtually nothing to do. Ann Sheridan was fairly enjoyable in the role, but I just wish she had a little more to do.

This film is good for a number of reasons. Its story is convincing and powerful. The death row scene is remarkably memorable. The movie also has some very nice imagery- watch for the final scene and the descent from hell to heaven- this is a little melodramatic, but mostly a beautiful end to the picture.

I probably would hae enjoyed this movie if I was a bigger Cagney fan. Perhaps that will come with time. Angels with Dirty Faces is a solid film that is definitely worth seeing. It is a bit dated, but still a worthwhile movie.



Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 7



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend:
The Roaring Twenties, The Oklahoma Kid