Cody Jarrett (James Cagney) is the sadistic leader of a ruthless gang. He is married to Verna (Virginia Mayo) and suffers from pounding migraines. He is violent and totally devoted to "Ma" Jarrett (Margaret Wycherly). The police are closing in on the gang after a deadly train robbery. Undercover agent Hank Fallon (Edmond O'Brien) is able to infiltrate the gang by being in the Illinois State Penitentiary.
There is a static procedural feel about some of the movie along with some fun gangster action. It is punctuated by Cagney's explosive performance and of course his climatic chemical plant shoot out. The line "Made it, Ma! Top of the world!" is iconic. It's a fine violent gangster movie underscored by some very memorable scenes.
There is a static procedural feel about some of the movie along with some fun gangster action. It is punctuated by Cagney's explosive performance and of course his climatic chemical plant shoot out. The line "Made it, Ma! Top of the world!" is iconic. It's a fine violent gangster movie underscored by some very memorable scenes.