Angels with Dirty Faces Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two childhood friends grow up to be a gangster and a priest, and then the priest asks the gangster to pretend to be scared of the electric chair to deter a bunch of street kids from a life of crime, which is oddly manipulative.

🍿 Angels with Dirty Faces: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Childhood Crime and Diverging Paths

Rocky Sullivan and Jerry Connolly, childhood friends in a tough New York neighborhood, are caught attempting to rob a railway car. Rocky is apprehended while Jerry escapes. This event sets them on drastically different paths. Rocky is sent to reform school, where he hardens into a life of crime, while Jerry finds solace and purpose in the church.

Rocky’s Return and Influence

Years later, Rocky returns to his old neighborhood after serving time in prison. He seeks to reclaim his share of illicit earnings from a crooked lawyer, James Frazier. Rocky’s presence quickly captures the attention of a group of street kids, who idolize him and his criminal lifestyle. This worries Father Jerry, who now serves as a priest in the community, trying to guide the youth away from a life of crime.

Conflict and Betrayal

As Rocky attempts to reestablish himself in the criminal underworld, he faces betrayal and violence. He clashes with Frazier and his associates, leading to escalating tensions. Father Jerry tries to intervene, urging Rocky to consider the impact of his actions on the impressionable young boys who look up to him. He also challenges Rocky to do the right thing and resist corruption.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Rocky Sullivan (James Cagney): A charismatic gangster who returns to his old neighborhood and becomes an idol for the local street kids.
• Jerry Connolly (Pat O’Brien): A priest and childhood friend of Rocky who tries to steer the neighborhood kids away from a life of crime.
• James Frazier (Humphrey Bogart): Rocky’s crooked lawyer who betrays him and becomes a target for Rocky’s wrath.
• Laury Ferguson (Ann Sheridan): A childhood acquaintance of Rocky and Jerry who represents a chance at redemption.
• Mac Keefer (George Bancroft): A powerful crime boss involved in illegal activities and the one who double crosses Rocky.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Rocky Sullivan: “What do you hear? What do you say?” – Rocky’s signature greeting, showcasing his streetwise personality and establishing his connection to the neighborhood.
• Father Jerry: “All right, fellas… let’s go and say a prayer for a boy who couldn’t run as fast as I could.” – Father Jerry’s poignant final line, reflecting on Rocky’s life and their shared past.
• Rocky Sullivan: “Ya gotta die sometime, see? Why not get paid for it?” – Rocky’s cynical outlook on life and death, highlighting his gangster mentality.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1.04 million
• Domestic Gross: $1.7 million
• Worldwide Gross: $1.9 million

💥 Angels with Dirty Faces Reviews

Personal Review

I was blown away by ‘Angels with Dirty Faces’! Cagney’s performance is iconic; he just commands the screen. The ending really got to me – the question of whether he was faking it or not is still stuck in my head. The whole movie made me think about the choices we make and how they impact those around us. Definitely a must-watch.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic gangster films”
  • “Admirers of James Cagney’s acting”
  • “Those interested in films with moral themes”
  • “Viewers who enjoy films set in old New York”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Criminal activity”
  • “Brief strong language”
  • “Themes of morality and redemption”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “James Cagney delivers a powerhouse performance as Rocky Sullivan, a complex character torn between good and evil. The film is a gripping portrayal of urban life and the choices that shape our destinies.
• Variety: “A compelling and thought-provoking crime drama with strong performances from Cagney and O’Brien. The film explores themes of redemption and the impact of role models on young lives.
• Screen Rant: “Humphrey Bogart shows his ability to play a convincing bad guy as he double-crosses Cagney. The focus on the impact of adults on kids is brilliant and the director, Michael Curtiz, is able to continue this theme to a powerful ending.

Audience Reactions

The dynamic between Cagney and O’Brien is fantastic, a real testament to their chemistry.: Viewers love the complex relationship between the two main characters and their shared history.

The ending leaves you pondering the true nature of heroism and sacrifice.: Most people agree that the film’s ending is powerful and thought-provoking, sparking debate about Cagney’s character.

Overall Consensus: A classic gangster film elevated by James Cagney’s outstanding performance and its exploration of moral complexities.

Awards

1. New York Film Critics Circle Awards (Best Actor)- 1938

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The Dead End Kids were known for their mischievous behavior on set, often disrupting scenes with ad-libbing and even stealing Humphrey Bogart’s trousers.”
• “Director Michael Curtiz was known for his efficient and fast-paced directing style, which helped to keep the production on schedule and within budget.”
• “James Cagney based some of Rocky’s mannerisms on people he knew from his childhood, including a drug addict and a childhood friend who was executed for killing a police officer.”

🖥️ How to Watch Angels with Dirty Faces?

Currently, ‘Angels with Dirty Faces’ is available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for potential broadcast options or availability on other streaming services. Unfortunately, it is not currently available for free streaming through a subscription service.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Angels with Dirty Faces, you might like these similar films:

• The Public Enemy (1931): Shares similar themes of crime, poverty, and the rise and fall of a gangster in the Prohibition era.
• Dead End (1937): Features the Dead End Kids and explores similar themes of poverty and the influence of environment on young people.
• White Heat (1949): Another iconic James Cagney gangster film, showcasing his intense and memorable performance style.
• Mean Streets (1973): A modern film that explores similar themes of crime, friendship, and redemption in a gritty urban setting.

🛒 Angels with Dirty Faces Related Products

• Warner Bros. Home Entertainment: Angels with Dirty Faces (Blu-ray): A high-definition restoration of the classic film, featuring bonus content like interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.
• James Cagney: Top Billing Collection [DVD]: A DVD collection featuring several of Cagney’s most iconic films, showcasing his versatility and charisma.
• Humphrey Bogart: The Early Years: See Humphrey Bogart act as the bad guy in his early career, the collection includes posters and behind-the-scene footage
• Angels With Dirty Faces Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the original movie poster, perfect for decorating a home theater or office.

🎧 Soundtrack

Angels with Dirty Faces features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “In My Merry Oldsmobile” – performed by Gus Edwards & Vincent Bryan

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

James Cagney – According To the Rules

Ever wonder how James Cagney handles unruly kids? Check out this classic scene where Rocky Sullivan steps in – Cagney’s got such a commanding presence, it’s mesmerizing!

Angels with Dirty Faces 1938 James Cagney kills poor Humphrey Bogart

Did you know Cagney and Bogart shared the screen? This clip shows a dramatic moment between the two legends – it’s intense! See Cagney in action!

Home Alone & Home Alone 2 – “Angels with Filthy Souls” all Scenes HD

Remember that gangster movie Kevin watches in ‘Home Alone’? Turns out, it’s a spoof of ‘Angels with Dirty Faces’! This compilation shows every scene from both ‘Home Alone’ movies using “Angels with Filthy Souls” – it’s a hilarious tribute to the classic!

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