Angels with Dirty Faces Is Arguably Warner Bros. Best Gangster Film

When you think of Warner Bros., what movies or franchises immediately come to mind? Probably Christopher Nolan. The Dark Knight A trilogy that began in 2005? Or maybe? Harry Potter The series originally started in 2001? What about matrix Looking for black-and-white crime movies that first came out in 1999? Whatever title you’ve come up with (there are certainly plenty to choose from; Warner Bros. has had plenty of box office successes over the years), a black-and-white crime film from over 80 years ago probably isn’t your thing. But as much as the superhero, fantasy, and sci-fi genres have all taken over the spotlight at some point, Noir It's one of those categories that will always have a place in cinema history – and an award-winning drama from 1938 easily proves that's true.

Written by screenwriter and director Roland Brown (who was known for turning down several films because of his artistic vision), the collapse of Grand National Films prompted the film's lead star, James Cagney, to pitch the idea to Warner Bros. Although the film industry was only 10 years away from talking pictures, Cagney had already appeared in a number of films for the studio, including the 1931 film public enemy1933 Parade of Lightsand 1935 Jimin.

The famous actor would end up delivering such an impressive and terrifying role in Angels with dirty faces He won Best Actor awards from both the National Board of Reviews and the New York Film Critics Circle. He plays William “Rocky” Sullivan, a recently released gangster who is determined to collect $100,000 from an accomplice he worked with on a bank robbery years ago. Cagney is played by none other than crime film veteran Humphrey Bogart.

Crime vs. Religion in Angels with Dirty Faces

Then there’s Pat O’Brien—another big name—who plays Father Connolly, Rocky’s childhood acquaintance. Though he starts out as a friend, the priest eventually becomes a major plot device, embarking on a crusade to try to cleanse New York City of corruption. The Dead End kids play the audience with ease, emotionally invested in everything Rocky does. They may be the least experienced stars in the film, but they sure know how to make a scene feel alive. Ann Sheridan plays Rocky’s love interest. The combination of this talented cast, unparalleled acting and mysterious atmosphere makes it… Angels with dirty faces classic This should not be forgotten.

Although Warner Bros. (now called Warner Bros. Discovery) seems to be in decline these days, the movie studio knew how to stay consistent in the early 20th century. And while the film certainly looks dated when compared to recent Warner Bros. hits like Barbie and jokerThe black-and-white cinematography is unparalleled when it comes to this story of crime and religion. The climax, where Sullivan is dragged to his execution, in a frenzy and begging for mercy at Connolly’s request, is a sight to behold. You can only see this intense emotional moment through the towering silhouettes on the wall. The Dead End children, once hypnotized by Rocky’s presence, are now led away from their underground haunts into the warm rays of light—perhaps never to return to their former ways.

Angels with Dirty Faces is a perfect example of a dark novel.

Believe it or not, Cagney’s agent believed his star’s tough guy reputation extended beyond Rocky. But the 39-year-old was happy to revert to the original model—albeit for a specific reason. The character shift was his way of showing critics and studio executives that he had an unparalleled range that could be used in other genres. In the end, the risk was worth the reward as Cagney's career continued for another 43 years. In musicals, comedies, dramas, and adventures (as well as appearing in his own genre). In lieu of Warner Bros.' current difficulties, Angels with dirty faces It has become a movie that many different organizations (and names) remember as well.

Not only does this story of misfit outcasts and flawed men have a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but an online review, Slant Magazine, The film was considered Warner Bros.' “best gangster movie”. The American Film Institute, a nonprofit organization that honors the heritage of cinema in the United States, has named the film one of the 100 greatest films of the past 100 years. Even Sopranos actor Steven Van Zandt has called the 1938 Warner Bros. film one of his favorite gangster movies, according to Rolling Stone —This is a compliment you don’t see every day. More compliments can be heard from posts like The New York Times and Harrison ReportsNow I know what you're thinking – this was and still is one of the best films in black cinema. Although Angels with dirty faces It's rare to find it on any streaming platform, but you can still find it on DVD and Blu-ray at various stores and online.