Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
James Cagney | ... | Jake MacIllaney | |
Shirley Jones | ... | Linda Cabot | |
Roger Smith | ... | Dan Cabot | |
Cara Williams | ... | Winnipeg Simmons | |
Nehemiah Persoff | ... | Pinelli | |
Royal Dano | ... | Words Cannon | |
Anthony Caruso | ... | Lt. Tevis | |
Horace McMahon | ... | O. K. Merritt | |
Virginia Vincent | ... | Ginger | |
Jack Albertson | ... | Sleep-Out Charlie Barnes | |
Robert J. Wilke | ... | Lennie | |
Herbie Faye | ... | Hymie | |
Billy M. Greene | ... | Ed Barton | |
Barry Russo | ... | Ward (as John Duke) | |
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Jack Orrison | ... | Osborne |
Jake MacIllaney will do just about anything to win the presidential election of longshoreman union Local 26. When he encounters young upright attorney Dan Cabot and Cabot's attractive wife, Linda, MacIllaney breaks up their marriage, pursues Linda, and pins a grand larceny rap on Dan. And all set to music! Written by Ray Hamel <hamel@primate.wisc.edu>
Well, I gotta say one thing about this film--the concept certainly is unusual. The film is a comedic musical all about gangsters! But, unfortunately it isn't very funny and the songs aren't very good. If you were expecting GUYS AND DOLLS, you are in for a big disappointment. Instead, the movie looks and feels pretty dull and uninvolving. In a way, I would love to have seen the Jimmy Cagney from WHITE HEAT or THE PUBLIC ENEMY enter the film and beat the ever-living snot out of the wussy and "cute" gangster Cagney plays in this film.
The bottom line is that the film just isn't entertaining or interesting. There are so many better Cagney films out there--pick one of them instead.