Length: 79 minutes
Director: Mervyn LeRoy
Cast: Edward G. Robinson, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Glenda Farrell, William Collier Jr., Sidney Blackmer, Ralph Ince, Maurice Black, Nicholas Bela, Armand Kaliz
Eric's Impressions: I've always been a big fan of the gangster genre whether it's on the big screen ("The Godfather" series, "Goodfellas," and "Mean Streets" just to name a few) and on the small screen ("The Sopranos"). With films like this one, it's nice to see the beginnings of the genre. Edward G. Robinson is great as the main character. As we watch his speedy climb to the top of the underworld and his quicker fall, we are reminded of so many other gangster stories, but this one deserves it's just due for being one of the first.
Natalie's Impressions: This film was a welcome break from the films we have been watching previously because it is one of the first in the gang genre. Robinson is the typical gangster that rises to the top only to fall in the end because of a tragic character flaw. The story of the tragic hero is not unique but it is somewhat remarkable that this film was produced during the heart of the Great Depression. In a way, it echoes the fear that many individuals felt at the time in the face of economic ruin. In this sense, the film is a timely one for today's audiences as well.
COUNTDOWN: Just 961 movies to go!
No comments:
Post a Comment