‘G’-Men **** (1935, James Cagney, Margaret Lindsay, Ann Dvorak, Robert Armstrong, Barton MacLane, Lloyd Nolan, William Harrigan) – Classic Movie Review 3730

James Cagney stars in director William Keighley’s 1935 crime thriller as ‘Brick’ Davis, a thrusting lawyer, befriended and educated by big-time racketeer ‘Mac’ McKay (William Harrigan). Brick joins the side of justice as an FBI government agent to avenge his buddy Eddie Buchanan (Regis Toomey), killed while arresting a gangster.

But first Brick has to prove himself to his chief Jeff McCord (Robert Armstrong), who thinks he is in the pay of the crime underworld.

The star’s best role since The Public Enemy (1931) is showcased in a fast, tough action thriller, rattled along by director Keighley and made in film noir style, with black and white photography by Sol Polito. Among a splendid cast, Margaret Lindsay, Ann Dvorak, Robert Armstrong, Barton MacLane, Lloyd Nolan and William Harrigan all get a look in, but really it is Cagney all the way.

The story and screenplay are by Seton I Miller – and it’s all done and dusted in just 85 minutes.

After playing so many mobsters, Cagney was forced to be a good guy here after pressure by the Production Code Authority and the Legion of Decency.

Also in the cast of Warner Bros stock players are Russell Hopton, Edward Pawley, Noel Madison, Monte Blue, Regis Toomey, Harold Hubert, Addison Richards, Raymond Hatton, Mary Treen, James Flavin, Stanley Blystone and Jonathan Hale.

© Derek Winnert 2016 Classic Movie Review 3730

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