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Storyline
Cody Jarrett is the sadistic leader of a ruthless gang of thieves. Afflicted by terrible headaches and fiercely devoted to his 'Ma,' Cody is a volatile, violent, and eccentric leader. Cody's top henchman wants to lead the gang and attempts to have an 'accident' happen to Cody, while he is running the gang from in jail. But Cody is saved by an undercover cop, who thereby befriends him and infiltrates the gang. Finally, the stage is set for Cody's ultimate betrayal and downfall, during a big heist at a chemical plant. Written by
Tad Dibbern <DIBBERN_D@a1.mscf.upenn.edu>
Plot Summary
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Plot Synopsis
Taglines:
Pick up the pieces folks, Jimmy's in action again!
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Did You Know?
Trivia
Ranked #4 on the American Film Institute's list of the 10 greatest films in the genre "Gangster" in June 2008.
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Goofs
When Cody, Velma and Ma duck into the drive-in theatre to evade the police, the film showing is TASK FORCE which Ma Jarrett also states was the movie playing when questioned by the police the next day. However, a close look at the marquee on the drive-in theatre reveals that the film playing is SOUTH OF ST. LOUIS.
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Quotes
Jerry:
And this time I'm going right to the top to get you out. Herbert, are you listening?
Michael 'Reader' Curtin:
Sure, Jerry, sure.
Jerry:
But if that fails, you'll just have to serve the rest of your term.
Michael 'Reader' Curtin:
Jerry, you couldn't get me out of here if I was pardoned.
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Connections
Featured in
Fade to Black (1980)
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Soundtracks
"Five O'Clock Whistle"
(1940) (uncredited)
Music by
Josef Myrow,
Kim Gannon &
Gene Irwin
Played on a radio
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The old saying, "They don't make 'em like they used to" fits this film to a T. Every other crazed-killer-goes-on-a-rampage movie ever made pales next to it. This is the best performance of Cagney's career (although, astoundingly enough, he didn't think much of the picture or his work in it, dismissing it as "just another gangster flicker"). Only Cagney could take a character like Cody Jarrett, a snarling, murderous monster with a mother fixation--someone you KNOW is going to get his at the end--and still almost make you wish he gets away. The film is one taut nerve from beginning to end. There's not a wasted moment in it; it starts out at full blast with the daring robbery of a mail train barreling through a mountain pass and doesn't let up. Performances are universally top-notch, from the stars on down to the extras. Far and away the finest film of director Raoul Walsh's long and distinguished career, this movie can take its place as not only the best gangster film ever made, but as one of the best films ever made, period.