The Roaring Twenties Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Three war buddies return home, one becomes a lovesick taxi driver turned bootlegger, one a ruthless gangster, and the other a lawyer who steals the girl, all while Prohibition makes everything extra messy.

🍿 The Roaring Twenties: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Returning from War

In 1919, amidst the armistice of World War I, three soldiers—Eddie Bartlett, George Hally, and Lloyd Hart—find themselves together in a trench. Each harbors aspirations for the future. Eddie dreams of resuming his mechanic job, Lloyd intends to pursue law, and George’s ambitions are less defined. Upon returning to the United States, Eddie faces the harsh reality of a changed world. His old job is gone, and opportunities are scarce, setting the stage for his descent into a life of crime.

Prohibition and Bootlegging

The introduction of Prohibition creates a lucrative black market for alcohol. Eddie, struggling to make ends meet, accidentally stumbles into bootlegging, finding an unexpected talent for the business. He partners with Panama Smith, a speakeasy owner, who becomes a loyal friend and confidante. As Eddie’s operation grows, he reconnects with George, who brings a ruthless edge to the business. Lloyd, now a lawyer, provides legal counsel, creating a powerful, if morally ambiguous, alliance.

Love and Betrayal

Eddie’s life becomes complicated by his affections for Jean Sherman, a young woman who corresponded with him during the war. However, Jean falls in love with Lloyd, creating a love triangle that strains their friendship. Simultaneously, George’s ambition and violent tendencies escalate, leading to betrayal and conflict within the group. As Eddie focuses on Jean’s singing career, the partnerships begin to crack. George becomes a liability with his increasingly violent nature, and Lloyd’s relationship with Jean creates an emotional rift. The stakes rise as bootlegging becomes a dangerous game of survival.

The Stock Market Crash and Downfall

The 1929 stock market crash marks a turning point, devastating Eddie’s financial empire and forcing him to confront the consequences of his choices. While George thrives, having avoided the stock market, Eddie loses everything and spirals into despair. Stripped of his wealth and status, Eddie returns to driving a cab, a stark reminder of his humble beginnings. However, his protective instincts towards Jean and Lloyd remain strong, setting the stage for a final confrontation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Eddie Bartlett (James Cagney): A World War I veteran who becomes a bootlegger during Prohibition, rising to power and facing a tragic downfall.
• George Hally (Humphrey Bogart): A ruthless and ambitious gangster who partners with Eddie but ultimately betrays him.
• Jean Sherman (Priscilla Lane): A singer and Eddie’s love interest, who eventually falls in love with Lloyd Hart.
• Lloyd Hart (Jeffrey Lynn): A lawyer and Eddie’s friend from the war, who becomes involved in the bootlegging business and wins Jean’s heart.
• Panama Smith (Gladys George): A speakeasy owner and friend to Eddie, secretly in love with him and loyal until the end.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Panama Smith: “He used to be a big shot.” – Spoken by Panama as she cradles Eddie’s body after he’s killed, summarizing his rise and fall.
• Eddie Bartlett: “I’m tired, Danny, tired of being pushed around, tired of having doors slammed in my face.” – Eddie expresses his frustration with the lack of job opportunities after returning from the war, leading him to a life of crime.
• George Hally: “He won’t be 16.” – George says coldly after killing a young German soldier just as the war ends.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1,084,000 (estimated)
• Domestic Gross: $1,477,000 (original release in US)
• Worldwide Gross: $1,626,000 (original release estimate)

💥 The Roaring Twenties Reviews

Personal Review

I loved how ‘The Roaring Twenties’ captured the essence of the era! Seeing Cagney navigate the chaotic world of bootlegging was thrilling. The love triangle added an emotional layer that made the story even more compelling. And Gladys George – she stole the show as Panama. I was hooked from start to finish!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic gangster films”
  • “Viewers interested in the Prohibition era”
  • “Admirers of James Cagney and Humphrey Bogart”
  • “Those who enjoy historical dramas”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Alcohol use”
  • “Gangster themes”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A culmination of a decade’s worth of Warner Brothers gangster films with James Cagney, and well directed by Raoul Walsh. A tale of post-war struggles turning to organized crime.
• The New York Times: “A high-powered gangster drama tracing the rise and fall of Eddie Bartlett. Cagney is at his best, portraying both the charm and brutality of the era.
• AllMovie: “A classic gangster flick with James Cagney in top form. Raoul Walsh keeps the action fast-paced. This is well acted and provides an authentic 1920s feel.

Audience Reactions

Cagney’s performance is electrifying, perfectly balancing charm and ruthlessness.: Viewers rave about Cagney’s portrayal of Eddie Bartlett and his transformation from a war veteran to a gangster.

The film’s historical accuracy and attention to detail bring the Roaring Twenties to life.: The film vividly depicts the era, with authentic costumes, sets, and music, immersing viewers in the Prohibition era.

Overall Consensus: A classic gangster film with outstanding performances, capturing the essence of the Prohibition era with a compelling narrative.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “This marked the end of James Cagney’s cycle of gangster films for Warner Bros. Cagney wanted to diversify his roles; he would not play a gangster again until White Heat (1949), ten years later.”
• “Gladys George’s character, Panama Smith, is based on Texas Guinan, a famous speakeasy hostess during the Prohibition era.”
• “The death of Cagney’s character on the steps of a church is inspired by the real-life assassination of Hymie Weiss, a Chicago gangster.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Roaring Twenties?

Currently, The Roaring Twenties can be streamed on platforms like Apple TV, and is available for purchase or rental on demand through services such as Amazon Prime Video and Vudu. Check local listings for potential broadcast options or physical media availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Roaring Twenties, you might like these similar films:

• The Public Enemy (1931): An earlier James Cagney gangster film exploring similar themes of rise and fall during Prohibition.
• Little Caesar (1931): Another classic early gangster film depicting the ruthless ambition of a criminal during the same era.
• Once Upon a Time in America (1984): A sprawling epic that also chronicles the lives of gangsters during Prohibition, with a tragic scope.
• Lawless (2012): A more modern take on bootlegging in the Prohibition era, focusing on family and survival.
• Miller’s Crossing (1990): A Coen Brothers film set during Prohibition, featuring complex characters and a stylish, noirish atmosphere.

🛒 The Roaring Twenties Related Products

• The Roaring Twenties (DVD): Experience the Roaring Twenties in crisp black and white with this digitally restored DVD. Perfect for classic film buffs.
• Flapper Dress Costume: Authentic looking 1920s flapper dress. Includes Headband, Necklace, gloves and Feather Boa. Embrace the glamour of the Roaring Twenties. Feel the style.
• Prohibition Era Fedora Hat: Authentic-style fedora. A must-have accessory for any Roaring Twenties enthusiast.
• Speakeasy Bartender Kit: 1920 style bartending kit. Create authentic era drinks at home. Add a touch of class to any gathering.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Roaring Twenties features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “I’m Just Wild About Harry” – performed by Eubie Blake & Noble Sissle
• “It Had to Be You” – performed by Isham Jones
• “Melancholy Baby” – performed by Ernie Burnett

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Slang of the 1920s

Ever wonder what those folks in the 1920s were *really* saying? This video breaks down all the slang, and trust me, it’s wild! You’ll be talking like a true flapper in no time – and maybe even understand a line or two in the movie better.

1920s Berlin Life c.1927 – in Amazing Restored Footage

Want to see what Berlin was *really* like in the ’20s? This restored footage is incredible! It’s like stepping back in time – the fashion, the nightlife…it’s all so captivating. Gives you a serious feel for the movie’s setting!

1920s dances featuring the Charleston, the Peabody, Turkey Trot and more

The Charleston? The Peabody? These were the dances that *defined* the Roaring Twenties! This video shows them off, and it’s seriously fun to watch. You might even learn a move or two – or at least appreciate the dance scenes in the film even more!

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