Beautiful WB production of the 40´s really surprised me because of its dynamic pace, excellent cinematography and wonderful performances. What could had been only a tearful melodrama is instead a very good film with a powerful script and many alluring characters. Except Cagney, who never was a great actor for me, although he gave notable performances in Yankee Doodle Dandy and White heat, and tries hard in this picture, Sheridan is much better than usual and the rest of the cast of WB supporting players is really excellent. Kennedy was always a great presence, although he never was a star, but he could easily classify among the best American character actors of all time. A very young Anthony Quinn does a good job as a dancer-seducer, and Elia Kazan in a magnificent early role as an actor gives me the impression of having serve as a model for the young Robert De Niro of Mean Streets. Also the terrific fighting scenes, though keeping the time distance, seem a true inspiration of what Scorsese reach in Raging Bull.An underrated film which deserves further recognition.
Review of City for Conquest
