Little Caesar Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A small-time crook gets big hat, then tiny hat after a New Year’s Eve party foul and some friendship troubles.

🍿 Little Caesar: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Rico’s Ambitious Beginnings

Enrico ‘Rico’ Bandello, a small-time hoodlum, leaves his rural life behind with his friend Joe Massara, seeking fortune in the big city. Rico is driven by an intense desire for power and recognition. Joe, however, dreams of becoming a dancer.

Joining the Mob

Rico joins Sam Vettori’s gang and quickly proves his ruthlessness and ambition, impressing the higher-ups. Meanwhile, Joe finds success as a dancer and falls in love with Olga, his dance partner, creating a growing rift between him and Rico.

Rising Through the Ranks

Rico’s relentless pursuit of power leads him to seize control of Vettori’s gang and climb the criminal ladder, eliminating anyone who stands in his way. His actions include a brazen murder of a crime commissioner, witnessed by Joe, further complicating their relationship.

The Turning Point

Rico demands that Joe abandon Olga and return to the gang, leading to a confrontation. Rico finds himself unable to kill Joe, revealing a hidden conflict within himself. This moment marks the beginning of Rico’s downfall.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Caesar Enrico ‘Rico’ Bandello (Edward G. Robinson): Rico is an ambitious and ruthless small-time hood who rises through the ranks of organized crime, seeking power and status above all else.
• Joe Massara (Douglas Fairbanks Jr.): Joe is Rico’s childhood friend who aspires to be a dancer and tries to distance himself from Rico’s criminal activities.
• Olga Stassoff (Glenda Farrell): Olga is Joe’s girlfriend and dance partner, who becomes a catalyst for Joe’s break from Rico.
• Sgt. Flaherty (Thomas E. Jackson): Flaherty is the cynical and determined police sergeant who relentlessly pursues Rico, seeking to bring him to justice.
• Sam Vettori (Stanley Fields): Sam is the established mob boss whose gang Rico joins and eventually usurps, demonstrating Rico’s ruthless ambition.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Rico: “You want somethin’ done, you gotta do it yourself.” – Rico expresses his self-reliant and ruthless approach to getting things done.
• Rico: “You can dish it out, but you can’t take it!” – Rico taunts Sam Vettori after taking over his gang, highlighting his dominance and Vettori’s weakness.
• Rico: “My gun’s gonna speak its piece.” – Rico threatens others, implying violence and his willingness to use force to get his way.
• Rico: “Mother of Mercy! Is this the end of Rico?” – Rico’s dying words, reflecting his disbelief and shock at his downfall.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $385,000
• Domestic Gross: $750,000
• Worldwide Gross: $750,000

💥 Little Caesar Reviews

Personal Review

I watched ‘Little Caesar’ because I wanted to see where all the gangster tropes came from, and wow, it delivered! Robinson IS Rico, and even though some of the acting felt over the top, his raw ambition was mesmerizing. The ending, with Rico’s dying words, gave me chills. It’s a classic for a reason!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Hollywood cinema”
  • “Those interested in gangster films and crime dramas”
  • “Viewers who appreciate strong performances and character studies”
  • “Anyone interested in the history of film and genre development”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Gun violence”
  • “Gangsterism themes”
  • “Mild language”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Edward G. Robinson’s performance is a standout, capturing the ruthless ambition of a small-time hood clawing his way to the top. While the film shows its age, its impact on the gangster genre is undeniable, with scenes and dialogue that still resonate.
• The New York Times: “Though dated, ‘Little Caesar’ remains a compelling character study of a man consumed by power. Robinson’s portrayal of Rico Bandello is iconic, if somewhat cartoonish by today’s standards, he established a blueprint for every gangster movie after him.
• AllMovie: “A landmark gangster film that launched Edward G. Robinson’s career. The film’s straightforward narrative may seem familiar now, but Robinson’s magnetic performance as the ruthless Rico Bandello still packs a punch.

Audience Reactions

Edward G. Robinson’s captivating performance as Rico Bandello is still magnetic after all these years.: Viewers frequently praise Edward G. Robinson’s portrayal of Rico Bandello and the film’s impact on future gangster movies.

The sharp dialogue and iconic lines make the film endlessly quotable and entertaining.: Many viewers found the dialogue to be witty and entertaining.

Overall Consensus: ‘Little Caesar’ is an iconic gangster film that launched Edward G. Robinson’s career and set the standard for future crime dramas. While showing its age, Robinson’s performance and the film’s impact on the genre make it a must-watch for any film buff.

Awards

1. National Board of Review (Top Ten Films)- 1931

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The character of Caesar Enrico Bandello is widely believed to be based on Al Capone, but author W.R. Burnett denied this, stating that the character was a composite of several gangsters he had encountered.”
• “The film was one of the first gangster films to achieve widespread success, setting the stage for a wave of similar movies in the 1930s.”
• “Edward G. Robinson’s portrayal of Rico Bandello catapulted him to stardom, typecasting him in similar roles for much of his career.”

🖥️ How to Watch Little Caesar?

As a classic film, ‘Little Caesar’ is available for rent or purchase on various platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for possible television airings on channels specializing in classic cinema, like Turner Classic Movies (TCM). Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray can also be found online and in retail stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Little Caesar, you might like these similar films:

• The Public Enemy (1931): A direct comparison as it is another early gangster film exploring a similar rise-and-fall narrative.
• Scarface (1932): Thematically similar in portraying the violent ascent and demise of a ruthless gangster.
• White Heat (1949): A later gangster film starring James Cagney, exploring similar themes of ambition and violence.
• Goodfellas (1990): A modern equivalent that portrays the life of a gangster with a similar rise and fall, but with a more contemporary style.

🛒 Little Caesar Related Products

• Little Caesar (Blu-ray): High-definition Blu-ray release of the classic gangster film, featuring restored picture and sound, and bonus content.
• Edward G. Robinson: The Gangster Collection (DVD): A collection of Edward G. Robinson’s classic gangster films, including Little Caesar. Relive the Golden Age of Hollywood with these timeless classics.
• Little Caesar Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the original movie poster, perfect for decorating a home theater or adding to a movie memorabilia collection.
• Gangsters, Thugs and Mafia Molls: Edward G. Robinson’s Little Caesar: The first full-length study of the film Little Caesar, explores the creation, reception, and cultural legacy of this groundbreaking film and how it launched Edward G. Robinson’s film career.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Foret Perfide” – performed by Gabriel Marie

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Why Do We Love Gangsters?

Ever wonder why we’re so fascinated by gangster movies? This video breaks down the genre, using clips from ‘Little Caesar’ to explore the psychology behind our obsession. It’s actually pretty insightful!

Little Ceasar – Edward G. Robinson

Edward G. Robinson’s portrayal of Rico in ‘Little Caesar’ is legendary! This quick clip shows how his unique character style made the role so unforgettable. You’ll understand why everyone remembers him after watching!

The Betrayal of Little Caesar #shorts

Ever thought Little Caesar’s pizza was betraying you? Check out this hilarious short that mashes up the movie with the pizza chain. It’s a quick laugh and you might relate!

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