alexanderdavies-99382 Gangster films had run their course in Hollywood by the end of the 1930s. Not long after, the sub genre of the "Film Noir" would dominate the 1940s. From "Warner Bros," "The Roaring Twenties" is one of the best films from 1939. It has Cagney and Bogart together, some catchy tunes, very good action scenes, great direction and the dialogue is just right. James Cagney plays a veteran of the First World War who struggles to secure himself a job after returning home from Europe. By a sheer accident, he becomes innocently involved in bootlegging after prohibition is in place. He soon assembles an entire empire before the stock market crash takes effect. Cagney was at the peak of his popularity and had much more of a say in his choice of films at "Warner Bros." Bogart was still struggling to find stardom but his hard efforts were about to pay off and rather unexpectedly. As Eddie Bartlett, Cagney doesn't deliberately turn to a life of crime by becoming a gangster or a hoodlum, he just wanted to survive after he couldn't find a job. As a person, Eddie is rather likable and certainly more of a human being than Bogart. Gladys George does very well as the dame who gets Cagney involved with bootlegging in the first place. When times are lean for him, she sticks by him always. Frank McHugh is a welcome addition to the cast and I felt a bit sorry for him when fate came beckoning for him. I shall always enjoy this classic.

Syl James Cagney steals the film as Eddie who fought and survived World War I. He returns home to New York City. He gets involved with the bootleggers during prohibition in the roaring twenties. The film shows the rise and fall of a man like Eddie. Humphrey Bogart acts in the film as well. Priscilla Lane and Gladys George play the female love interest. Raoul Walsh directed this film. Even though it was shot in a Hollywood sound stage, the film has a very urban feel to it. James Cagney was terrific as Eddie. He was really a brilliant actor who could break your heart or steal it. He brings depth and dimension to Eddie's character.

Ronnie Spencer I've seen this movie on the big screen in several different settings; the Strand on Market street in frisco after Cagney's death; LACMA; the old Pussycat theatre on Hollywood blvd. this Raoul Walsh gangster starring two-gun Jimmy Cagney unfolds as the title suggests - over the course of the 1920s. the support is perfect - Jeffrey Lynn as the idealist; Priscilla Lane as the ideal; Frank McHugh as the sidekick; Gladys George as the wised up dame; Humphrey Bogart, the sociopath. This film has gained some devotees, showing at museums and revival houses over the past two decades. now it's considered one the best of the Warner's cycle. with the backstage musical Footlight Parade and turn in the masterwork the Public Enemy, this is Cagney at his best.

jotix100 A battlefield in WWI is the setting for the opening of this story. Three men find shelter in a trench. As it happens, the trio will get involved later on during peace time in ways that will alter their lives. The lives of Eddie Bartlett, George Hally, and Lloyd Hart will keep crossing one another as peace is declared and they go back home to New York....Eddie Bartlett comes home to find out he is unemployed. The position he had as a mechanic is no longer there for him. Remembering his pen pal Jean Sherman, who sent him all sorts of goodies while he was at the front, he decides to meet to thank her for her kindness. His pal, Danny Green, who did not go to war, is happy to take him to Mineola to see this war pal. What he did not realize Jean is a teenager still at school living with her mother in that suburban setting.As Prohibition was enacted, enterprising men like Eddie Bartlett saw a silver lining in the fact they could make a lot of money in making their own booze, distributed in different venues of the city. Eddie became friendly with Panama Smith, a sometime singer who owned a speakeasy. Eddie figured it was the perfect setting in which to sell his merchandise. George Hally came on board to the illegal operation. Lloyd, who was a lawyer, joins the group as Eddie asked him to help Panama beat a charge. As he becomes successful, Eddie discovers Jean again working as a chorus girl in a musical revue. He wants to give her a chance as a singer at Panama's joint. Eventually, George breaks his association with Eddie to go on his own. The two men will become rivals. Eddie, loving Jean, sees her fall in love with Lloyd who could offer her a decent home away from that environment. Panama, who secretly loved Eddie, is the only one that stayed with him when the empire he had built comes crashing down.One of the best films of 1939, this Warner Bros. picture was directed by Raoul Walsh. Based on a story by Mark Hellinger, the screenplay was written by Jerry Wald, Richard Macaulay and Robert Rossen. Prohibition, as shown in the film brought out the worst in people. An ill conceived law that brought the criminal element to control the illegal liquor, was devastating for the country that was followed by the Great Depression. The film was photographed by one of the best cameramen of the era, Ernest Haller.An inspired James Cagney is a magnetic presence in the film. His Eddie is one of the best roles he played during his distinguished career in the movies. Humphrey Bogart is seen as George Hally in an understated performance. Gladys George made an excellent contribution to the film with her Panama Smith, the tough girl in the illegal booze circuit. Priscilla Lane is seen as Jean, a decent girl out of her league as she became a singer. The great Frank McHugh appeared as Danny Green and Jeffrey Lynn as Lloyd.