tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post3907634690514303476..comments2024-01-31T05:21:16.492-05:00Comments on ClassicBecky's Brain Food: Mobsters, Pals and Skirts -- The Golden Age of Gangster Movies -- The Complete Series -- 1930 Through 1949ClassicBeckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03591715859057540467noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-28277741611339944162014-01-12T23:20:09.006-05:002014-01-12T23:20:09.006-05:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05739532554443128546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-12718221772582249512011-10-19T14:33:45.835-04:002011-10-19T14:33:45.835-04:00Rachel, I am so looking forward to getting to know...Rachel, I am so looking forward to getting to know you! I'm so honored that you liked my article. Let's keep in touch...ClassicBeckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03591715859057540467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-55548955724031406342011-10-19T10:15:15.648-04:002011-10-19T10:15:15.648-04:00Hi Becky!! I'm so glad that we finally connect...Hi Becky!! I'm so glad that we finally connected! I've been following your blog for some time now, made a few comments, but we never really got to know each other until now! Congratulations on your award for this article, it is SO well-deserved. Amazing insights and so in-depth. Thank you for your compliments on mine as well, and I'm looking forward to being "blog buddies!" Keep up the great work, and talk to you soon!<br />-LaraAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-6754194013274464092011-08-11T08:27:19.426-04:002011-08-11T08:27:19.426-04:00Do you really live in Australia? The internet is ...Do you really live in Australia? The internet is so amazing that way. From down under to the American midwest in a few key strokes... Thanks very much -- researching this series was as satisfying as exploring my opinions!ClassicBeckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03591715859057540467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-49285046439314361692011-04-15T15:03:59.715-04:002011-04-15T15:03:59.715-04:00Kevin, late or not, I'm so glad you came over....Kevin, late or not, I'm so glad you came over. It is interesting, isn't it, about Cagney's influences and the real-life gangsters' interest in lookin like movie bad guys!<br /><br />Eve, what a coincidence that you had just read that piece. There are so many facets to these movies, and that's why I decided on the main focus for my piece. Thank you for your compliments - you know how nice that is to hear. I agree with you about Rocco in Key Largo, and you will see him in my Part 3!ClassicBeckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03591715859057540467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-74475910231411579172011-04-15T14:27:23.025-04:002011-04-15T14:27:23.025-04:00What an interesting and well-written comparison of...What an interesting and well-written comparison of "the big three," Becky.<br /><br />I've seen "Public Enemy" more times than either "Little Caesar" or "Scarface" - I wouldn't say that it is necessarily my favorite or the best of the three, but credit Cagney's incredibly charismatic performance. As for Robinson, your comments about the cold-bloodedness of his Rico in "Little Caesar" reminded me of another vicious killer of his - Rocco in "Key Largo." Robinson could play a very nasty and chilling sociopath.<br /><br />I'd just read a piece by Robert Warshow from 1948 about gangster films at the same time I saw your post. His was a look at gangster films as an expression of the modern sense of tragedy. Interestingly, the films he referenced in his article were "Little Caesar" and "Scarface." Between the two of you, I felt like I'd taken a wonderful immersion course. Looking forward to the rest of your series, Becky.The Lady Evehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11963115499930520653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-175403070791743312011-04-13T11:40:17.122-04:002011-04-13T11:40:17.122-04:00Coming late to the party here, but I really enjoye...Coming late to the party here, but I really enjoyed that post and look forward to reading the rest. <br /><br />I remember reading somewhere that Cagney used mannerisms he picked up from people he saw in his New York neighborhoods. Meanwhile the real-life gangsters were being influenced by what they saw on the screen and dressed, and acted, according to what they saw at the movies. Its one of those instances with life imitating art, and vice versa.Kevin Deanyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07697597405552599370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-42608860682552314182011-04-12T08:15:52.514-04:002011-04-12T08:15:52.514-04:00Hi Sark -- it's about time you got your bad se...Hi Sark -- it's about time you got your bad self over here! LOL! Thank you for your kind words about my efforts. I loved all 3 of the Big Three actors in their roles -- for a while, Cagney and Robinson were being typecast by the studios, but both broke out of it and showed their versatility. Muni could never be typecast as any one thing. You know, I did like Pacino's Scarface, all but the incessant F bomb, and despite the incredible gore. Of course, Pacino is so great it is hard not to like his films. It is too bad, though, that the original got lost for most people because of it. Ray Liotta was terrific, but you are quite right about the emphasis on getting whacked. I promise not to do more than 3 parts to my series. I'll be ready to do something else by then!ClassicBeckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03591715859057540467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-52739380248182030192011-04-12T08:00:55.675-04:002011-04-12T08:00:55.675-04:00Great post, Becky. I think the reason that so many...Great post, Becky. I think the reason that so many of these cinematic gangsters were memorable and admired is that the actors were talented and brought some charm to the roles, violence notwithstanding. As mentioned in your post and some of the comments, Robinson, Cagney and Muni played different types of roles. They were all three versatile performers, and their skills were prevalent in their portrayals of gangsters. Cagney made a great gangster, but he's equally good in the comedy, ONE, TWO, THREE. Perhaps a better example is a comparison of SCARFACE with De Palma's remake. Fans of the original criticize it, but it's important to note that viewers who appreciate the '83 version tend to favor the bloody denouement, almost an acknowledgment that Al Pacino deserves his fate. I think Muni's gangster is charismatic, whereas Pacino's is, quite intentionally, revolting.<br /><br />But as you stated in your opening, these men, sans "a drop of blood," are much easier to like than gangsters of more recent films. Ray Liotta is terrific in GOODFELLAS, but the charm and style associated with gangsters takes a backseat to trying not to get whacked.<br /><br />Looking forward to Parts 2-50. Or however many you do.sarkoffagushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00922698736476674377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-66299514128179558872011-04-12T07:11:11.500-04:002011-04-12T07:11:11.500-04:00Gypsy, I meant to get back here sooner -- I sure d...Gypsy, I meant to get back here sooner -- I sure do know about you and Fairbanks. He was one of the few sons of a great actor who could hold his own. And what a gorgeous guy! You have a great point about William Wellman and the influences that drove him.<br /><br />Kim, I have loved these gangster films since I was a kid. I swear I know them all by heart.<br /><br />John, good to see you here! Scarface did indeed have a depth of character and oddly outspoken story of perversity way ahead of its time. And, I thought the whole X symbolism was just great. It's everywhere, even in camera angles of streetsigns -- X marks the spot! It's difficult to focus on a particular aspect of these movies, in this case the gangster's personalities and relationships, because there is so much to the movies. But I had to draw the line somewhere to do a whole series with 3 movies in each post. Otherwise I would fill 2-3 blog pages for each movie! LOL. I'm going to come your way and see your post!ClassicBeckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03591715859057540467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-86707639793953463622011-04-12T06:07:30.732-04:002011-04-12T06:07:30.732-04:00Hi Becky,
Great, great post. I agree with SCARFAC...Hi Becky,<br /><br />Great, great post. I agree with SCARFACE being the best of the three. The film is more violent that the other two and the sexual innuendo, especially Tony's interest in his sister is strangely perverse. Overall, the female characters here are a bit more developed that in the other two films. LITTLE CAESAR, for me, does not hold up despite a good performance from Robinson and a few classic scenes. Overall, the film moves slowly and I think is poorly paced, still a must see.<br /><br />Did you or anyone notice the X factor in SCARFACE? An X shows up in the film just about every time someone is going to be killed, and the scar on Tony's face resembles an X. This bit of symbolism adds another element to an already great film. I talk about this in my own review, I did a few years ago at 24frames. Looking forward to the rest...Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01808503055317962289noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-81659400179093092222011-04-09T00:31:22.601-04:002011-04-09T00:31:22.601-04:00Becky, I feel like you've been reading my blog...Becky, I feel like you've been reading my blog!!! I really enjoyed reading the first installment of your series and look forward to reading more. I'm a fan of all 3 films you've profiled here, and it was refreshing to get your take on each gangsters' relationship with women.Kimberly J.M. Wilsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09078951928157843937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-20457816618373071172011-04-08T18:39:03.819-04:002011-04-08T18:39:03.819-04:00Becky, you have given us an excellent start to the...Becky, you have given us an excellent start to the series with fascinating insights on the characters, the films and the genre. I agree with you on the raw nature of these early gangster films, and the choices made by each of the actors in creating a new genre. I think you know how I feel about Doug Fairbanks, Jr. in anything, and even though Edward Woods had leading man good looks, he clearly lacked the confidence necessary for the lead character. I agree the roles of women in these films are often just so much set decoration, but the difference is made in talented actresses such as Glenda Farrell and Ann Dvorak. There is something unsettling about the scenes between Jean Harlow and James Cagney; I almost find them more disturbing than Cagney’s “final delivery”. I think William Wellman’s experience during WWI added to the authenticity of a vet’s concern, after risking their lives they returned to a country controlled by men who (somehow) avoided the war. I would also echo Classicfilmboy’s observation that Paul Muni’s outstanding performance in SCARFACE is tainted by the Al Pacino version, which I have never seen but the film’s reputation is larger than life.whistlingypsyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06126688373252306609noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-42160504461223579542011-04-08T18:16:37.617-04:002011-04-08T18:16:37.617-04:00Oh, Becky - now that you have added Miss Sheridan,...Oh, Becky - now that you have added Miss Sheridan, your post is complete! And I totally agree that Ann Dvorak should have had a bigger career! I just love her. I did a post a while ago about her and I could just hear people sating "who?" when they read about her.<br />http://flickchick1953.blogspot.com/search/label/Ann%20DvorakFlickChickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17351624749230610755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-1277182274501177642011-04-08T17:36:55.789-04:002011-04-08T17:36:55.789-04:00CFB, you are so right about the original Scarface ...CFB, you are so right about the original Scarface and the remake. I actually thought it was OK in itself, but the continual use of the F-bomb was so distracting! Even Michelle Pfeiffer's character said, "Can't you stop saying F--- all the time?!" When I was in the theatre, everybody clapped! As far as Rico and Tony, I do think Robinson made this character unbelievably frightening. Somehow I felt Tony scared me a little more, maybe because he was explosive and emotional-you never knew with him.<br /><br />Caftan Woman, great point about writer Burnett. And, gosh, Rico and Otero? Hmmmm..... LOL.<br /><br />VP, "..Fugitive.." was a superb movie. I'm going to have to check out Hard to Handle. I've never seen it!<br /><br />Dorian, you'll love next week for Bogart! If I do justice to him, that is! And you are right. I LOVE these movies and writing about them!ClassicBeckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03591715859057540467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-20008649896981342011-04-08T15:28:13.711-04:002011-04-08T15:28:13.711-04:00Becky, I'm glad you feel better! Your gangster...Becky, I'm glad you feel better! Your gangster series is off to a magnificent start with the trio of James Cagney, Edward G. Robinson, and Paul Muni! I'm a sucker for classic Warner Bros. movies, and you pay tribute to them so well. It's clear that you've not only done your homework, but loved every minute of it. Having seen and enjoyed many of the films starring these gents, I'm always particularly impressed when I see them in non-criminal roles; it's further proof of how talented and versatile they are. Heck, Cagney won his Oscar for a musical biopic! :-) Great job, Becky; I look forward to reading your next gangster installment, especially since I know they'll involve one of our family's faves, Humphrey Bogart! :-)DorianTBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01357778472575080022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-21988151055621070052011-04-08T14:31:46.192-04:002011-04-08T14:31:46.192-04:00Muni is great in "Scarface"; the year it...Muni is great in "Scarface"; the year it came out, he also excelled in the chilling "I Am A Fugitive From A Chain Gang."<br /><br />As far as Cagney and the grapefruit, check out a wonderful 1933 comedy of his, "Hard To Handle," which has an array of grapefruit in-jokes.VP81955https://www.blogger.com/profile/11792390726196611188noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-25649401655772851722011-04-08T14:23:40.198-04:002011-04-08T14:23:40.198-04:00Excellent look at three important films.
The unsu...Excellent look at three important films.<br /><br />The unsung hero of the gangster genre is author W.R. Burnett who wrote the novel "Little Caesar" and contributed dialogue to Hawks' "Scarface".<br /><br />While it's true that Rico didn't have any use for the dames, he was awfully chummy with Otero played by George E. Stone.Caftan Womanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05936895555808823221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-20766740852099633812011-04-08T13:56:44.048-04:002011-04-08T13:56:44.048-04:00Hi Becky, I really enjoyed this thorough post on t...Hi Becky, I really enjoyed this thorough post on the big three films that kicked off this genre. While Scarface is your favorite, I think it's often overlooked because of the Al Pacino remake (which doesn't compare to the original in my book). For me, Robinson's Rico towers over the others. While I love Cagney, his distictive and often-imitated style sometimes feels more Hollywood that real. Muni is menacing, but Robinson rips through Little Caesar with such intense fury that it translates the best for modern audiences. While there are a few early sound movies depicting gangsters (check out "Alibi"), Warners defined the genre and used this formula for maximum impact.Classicfilmboyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01278928051994100842noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-53728708051196822202011-04-08T13:27:50.026-04:002011-04-08T13:27:50.026-04:00Just leaving this note for those who have already ...Just leaving this note for those who have already commented and may see it -- a friend of mine just sent me a great pic of Cagney in a behind-the-scenes shot! So I added it -- and while I was at it, I added a couple more!ClassicBeckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03591715859057540467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-43395549609349842772011-04-08T10:19:33.479-04:002011-04-08T10:19:33.479-04:00Doc, you are quite right - Hughes did have to tack...Doc, you are quite right - Hughes did have to tack that part of the name on -- all 3 were released with similar prologues about how the movies were intended to be lessons, the public needs to know, etc. Scarface had an alternate ending that you can find on Youtube, really awful, righteous..<br /><br />FlickChick, LOL! I never thought about the accents! Maybe Cesca went to a good diction teacher!<br /><br />Page, I loved your spoof on Scarface! I love the movie, but your spoof had me rolling on the floor!<br /><br />Rick, you make a good point about not all of the gangsters being like today's. I have always made a very distinctive line in my own head between the Chicago mobsters and the rural depression-era bank robbers like Dillinger. the mobsters were organized murderers for money -- the rural bank robbers were more understandable, desperate men, although they also killed people.<br /><br />R.D., interesting take on the 3 performances... I personally like Muni very much, but I agree that Cagney and Robinson were better than the films -- I would say Muni was great in a great film.<br /><br />Dawn, you HAVE to see some of these films! They are so important in the history of movies.<br /><br />Thank you all for you compliments -- I hope you like next week's installment!ClassicBeckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03591715859057540467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-26335928752842176862011-04-08T07:01:21.014-04:002011-04-08T07:01:21.014-04:00Becky, I have to say this is an Awesome Mobsters, ...Becky, I have to say this is an Awesome Mobsters, Pals and Skirts, post. Please, do not send out the "wise guys" out to get me....<br />Because, I have not seen one of these "Gangsta" films.Dawnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03476174860119487509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-64758814514757719902011-04-08T03:18:39.639-04:002011-04-08T03:18:39.639-04:00Becky, I'll join the other commenters in sayin...Becky, I'll join the other commenters in saying what a great and stimulating post this is. These three films ARE the pillars of the genre. I certainly agree that "Scarface" is the best movie of the three. It didn't hurt that it was directed by Howard Hawks, who certainly knew how to make dynamic, no-holds-barred movies. I may be in the minority, but I find Muni's performance the least interesting of the three. It's less good than the movie it's in, while Robinson and Cagney are both better than the movies they're in. "Little Caesar" and "Public Enemy" have their moments--the gas station robbery and the finale in "Caesar," the Grapefruit scene, Tom's fierce revenge march, and his return from the hospital as a "special delivery" package in "Enemy--but for me they don't hold together as well or sustain their energy the way "Scarface" does. They function more as vehicles for star-making knockout performances. Can't wait to read your follow-up posts.R. D. Finchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05045080274131718843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-52483833409748443662011-04-07T23:27:25.663-04:002011-04-07T23:27:25.663-04:00Becks, I thoroughly enjoyed your excellent analysi...Becks, I thoroughly enjoyed your excellent analysis of three landmark gangster films. I agree that SCARFACE is the most interesting of the three. However, I find it ironic that the other two have become more iconic: PUBLIC ENEMY for the famous grapefruit scene and LITTLE CAESAR for the title character's quotable exit line. Also, I think it's no happenstance that this trio of films all feature very versatile actors who managed to avoid being typecast as gangsters. Muni played just about every kind of role. Cagney did musicals, too. And Robinson appeared in some delightful comedies (and was great in supporting roles as DOUBLE INDEMNITY). I disagree, though, that the 1930s gangsters were the same as today's sociopaths. Certainly, some of them were, but others--like Dillinger--brought some style and perhaps a little humanity to their criminal lives.Rick29https://www.blogger.com/profile/08358116647815569722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-24459536169682649812011-04-07T23:26:33.342-04:002011-04-07T23:26:33.342-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Rick29https://www.blogger.com/profile/08358116647815569722noreply@blogger.com