Smart Money

I am a GREAT fan of the 1920 and 1930 era in movies and this man is one of my favourite actors. Edward G. Robinson always portrays a gambler or a villain and does it very convincingly. I love the movie. Great quality for a movie over 80 years old. I would highly recommend this and also "Little Ceasar," which was Edward G. Robinson's ticket into celebrity status.

this product does last a long time. It doesn't take time to charge up.

One of the best of the best. no one did it like these fellows. They put their heart in their movies. a must see!

Nick the Barber (EGR) is a skilled Barber and an even more skilled gambler - and in the era of prohibition, he manages to move to the Big City where he can apply his less *functional* but more *fun* talents.He arrives at the big Hotel in the big City and is immediately snookered by a blonde (incidentally, his pet parkeet is named "blondie") - right away the viewer is hipped to the fact that this slick, self-assured guy has at least one downfall. His second downfall - which he ultimately survives through claer-thinking and people skills - is that he actually thinks (initially) that he can "cash in his chips", shall we say, ahead of time. He's read the riot act by a bunch of riotous theives in the guise of friendly card players.Evalyn Knapp is the first of many "blondes" to distract the street-smart but vulnerable Nick. A very strong, atypical role, as a cigarette girl by day/hot socialite by night, which demands real acting chops.A very early "talkie" with a good script and excellent cinematography, this one is a must-keep for fans of Edward and a new kid on the block, James Cagney; his understudy both at the Barber shop back home...and in the big city.Robinson's performance is deeply nuanced - he keeps us our interest just edgey enough, as we decide if his criminality is malevolent or he's really just an audacious but nice guy, who simply who likes to "work the system" - illegal as it may have been - more for thrills than money. At some points, we feel almost sympathetic, especially when a corrupt, power-hungry District Attorney actually uses *him*! A tragedy results.Extras include one of the wierdest short subjects you'll ever see, wuth George Jessel conducting a Russian Men's Choir. (It's 1931, and middle-aged men in "peasant garb" singing beautifully was something special. Good music - pitiful jokes).Viewer should know that there is some period ethnic stereotyping also in the movie itself.

I like Edward G Robinson, and I also like James Cagney I liked the picture

Favorite movie

The only pairing of Edward G. Robinson and James Cagney makes this worthwhile to begin with. Robinson carries the lead role in his usual style. Cagney is great in a supporting role to Robinson, who also shines in his own typical style. A rare gem!

Excellent movie.If you are an E G Robinson and/or Cagney movie fan, you'll love this movie.Some sadness at the end, but overall great entertainment and a surprise short appearance from Boris Karloff.

It's good seeing Edward G. Robinson, James Cagney and Boris Karloff in the same scene, although Karloff can't really act.The scenes between Robinson and Cagney work well except the pantomime scene which just looks bizarre. The relationship between their characters is a bit suspect as Cagney strokes Robinson's hair and face. You do get to see them fight at the end, but it is an improvisational fight almost like an exchange of handbags. Cagney has an easy death, and he shows his jealousy of Robinson's obsession with blonde women. It would've been better if Robinson and Cagney started off as friends, turned sour and ended up as enemies with a face-off at the end. The scene prior to Robinson/Cagney fight also has an improvised fight with Cagney and an aggressor. Cagney displays his boxing experience blocking and ducking punches. He is partially disabled when his attacker pulls his jacket down his arms to temporarily straight-jacket him.Cagney has good presence in this film and displays his restrained potential. You want him to do more, but you know that will come in 'The Public Enemy'.

very pleased