The Warner Bros. production of Angels with Dirty Faces, released in 1938, transcends typical gangster narratives, becoming a morality play set against the backdrop of urban decay. Director Michael Curtiz crafts a world where the lines between good and bad are as blurred as the rain-slicked streets of its setting, forcing viewers to confront the influence of environment and the burden of personal choice. The film centers on the diverging paths of two childhood friends, Rocky Sullivan and Jerry Connely, played with raw intensity by James Cagney and Pat O’Brien respectively. One a charismatic, yet ruthless gangster, the other a dedicated priest trying to steer neighborhood boys away from a life of crime. This isn’t just another story of cops and robbers; it’s a deep dive into how the streets mold character and destiny.
The narrative follows Rocky’s rise as a notorious criminal following his release from prison, his swagger and defiance making him a figure of adoration for the local kids. Meanwhile, Father Jerry battles to keep the same boys from walking in Rocky’s footsteps. Humphrey Bogart plays a crucial role, not as the protagonist but as the calculating lawyer, James Frazier, that manipulates situations for his own advantage. There are also pivotal parts for Ann Sheridan as Laury Martin, Rocky’s former girlfriend, and Billy Halop as Soapy, a young boy who is one of the ‘Dead End Kids’ who idolize the gangster. The film builds in intensity as their different philosophies clash, and the film’s climax is anything but predictable.
The performances are uniformly top notch. Cagney is electric, a whirlwind of energy, both charming and terrifying, perfectly embodying the antihero figure of Rocky. O’Brien provides a grounding presence, his calm demeanor contrasting effectively with the volatility of his counterpart. The film’s cinematography from Sol Polito and editing from Owen Marks contribute to the atmosphere of the film, the shadowy alleyways and dimly lit streets a visual manifestation of the moral ambiguities at play. The fast paced plot and snappy dialogue keep it moving along at a fair clip, and the tension never lets up. The film isn’t afraid to explore difficult issues of influence, morality and the allure of the ‘easy life’, it doesn’t judge the characters, it presents the situation and lets the audience come to its own conclusions.
The film’s finale is one of its most discussed aspects, a controversial conclusion where Rocky, facing execution, is coerced into acting cowardly for the impressionable boys. This move, designed to shatter his ‘hero’ image, remains a powerful statement about the responsibility of role models and the corrupting influence of criminal behaviour. The legacy of Angels with Dirty Faces lies in its ability to provoke discussion, to present characters as flawed and relatable, and to encourage reflection on the factors that determine a person’s life course. It stands as a benchmark for gangster films, going beyond simple shootouts and car chases to provide a study of character.
Angels with Dirty Faces is a Warner Bros. production.
Release Date: 1938
Director: Michael Curtiz
Cast: James Cagney, Pat O’Brien, Humphrey Bogart, Ann Sheridan, Billy Halop.