Fast, frantic and funny. Danny Kean(James Cagney)is a gangster released from the big house and he is determined to go straight. He lands a job with a sleazy New York tabloid using disregard and aggression to capture controversial pictures to please his boss(Robert Barrat). The city editor(Ralph Bellamy) gets props for hiring the ex-con. Along the way Danny falls in love with Patricia(Patricia Ellis), who just so happens to be the daughter of the policeman, Casey Logan(Robert Emmett O'Connor),that actually arrested him and still carries some of Danny's lead. Director Lloyd Bacon catches Cagney possibly at his finest and funniest; and may just be considered an overlooked gem for the actor. Alice White plays Allison, who would love to be Danny's girl and Ralf Harolde plays Jerry the Mug, the subject of a big money shot.
Note: This movie was inspired by an infamous photo of a convicted murderess being put to death by electrocution at Sing Sing Prison.
Note: This movie was inspired by an infamous photo of a convicted murderess being put to death by electrocution at Sing Sing Prison.