A number of gangster films have been released on 8mm, including happily the three most famous -
LITTLE CAESAR
PUBLIC ENEMY
SCARFACE
When released in the early 1930's in the cinema, these were to set the pattern of the gangster films to follow, bringing stardom to the lead players in roles, if somewhat loosely based, on notorious mobsters of the day. Scores of these films were produced and in many it was the garg3ter who was shown to have the most glamorous life, with big cars, flashy suits and gorgeous women.
The message 'crime doesn't pay' was always knocked home at the end of the picture, but this seemed to be an afterthought. The police and press made only brief appearances only to have their faces pushed in the dirt.
With such names as Al Capone, John Dillinger and Baby Face Nelson making the headlines and terrorising the streets of America, it wasn't long before the Hays office stepped in issuing a warning, and certain organisations threatened a boycott of gangster films.
By 1933 the tables had turned, and now the stories were being seen from the side of the police, the films being told through the eyes of the good guys, who fought the evils of the mobster. Though perhaps, some 40 odd years on, as with the "GODFATHER" films, the tables have turned yet again.
James Cagney Tom Powers Edward Woods Matt Doyle Jean Harlow Gwen Allen Joan Blondell Mamie Directed by William A. Wellman Produced by Darryl F. Zanuck
Shooting of this film began with Edward Woods playing the lead, and
Cagney in the supporting role, but three days into shooting the director changed his leading players around, thus making Cagney a star.
Based on the mobster 'Little Hymie' Cagney plays the mean moody gangster who flys into rages, such as at the breakfast table when bored with his moll (Mae Clarke) he picks up a grapefruit and rubs it in her face, sadly, this most famous scene is cut from this 8mm version Jean Harlows performance is left mostly intact, one of the best, if rather corny.
The film opens in 1909, the two friends Tom (Cagney) and Mac (Woods), are led astray by 'Putty Nose' who runs a boys club and receives stolen goods. Later on in life he gives the boys a gun each and sends them out on a job that goes wrong - a policeman is shot. 'Putty Nose abandons them, and the lads have to lie low for a while.
1920 and the days of prohibition reap good profits for the boys in illicit booze. they now drive a Rolls and have fallen in with a big time gangster 'Nails'.
When out driving one day they pick up a girl who Cagney dates - played by Jean Harlow. Later running into their old time pal 'Putty Nose' they accompany him to his flat where despite his pleas, Tom shoots him dead at the piano.
When 'Nails' is killed by his horse, the boys buy the horse and shoot it. With 'Nails' dead gang war breaks out and the boys have to lie low again.
Tom fed up with being confined storms out after a row with a girl. Mac follows and out in the street they are shot at, and Mac dies in a hail of bullets.
Tom takes his revenge ending up in a hospital where he is abducted, his trussed up and bullet riddled body is delivered to his mothers door.
Again, quite well edited, although not as good as 'LITTLE CAESAR'.
The print quality is very good with the exception of the odd scene which tends to be light. Some 'rubbery' sync evident as well, though the sound is crisp and clear.
Once again the titles are not the originals.
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The above review was printed in Super Eight Film Review issue
12
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This page was last updated 02 Dec 2002
