Ed. G. Robinson gives an excellent character study of the scheming Rico, and an effective cast also includes Douglas Fairbanks, Jun., Stanley Fields, Ralph Ince, Glenda Faxrell, and Sidney Blackmer.

| Jun 17, 2020

LeRoy's coldly efficient direction-due less to his own artistry than to the constraints of sound recording in its first years-imposes a static rigor on the action and lends the actor's diction and gestures a sculptural, granitic force.

| Sep 7, 2015

No director could ask for more than Edward G. Robinson's contribution. Here, no matter what he has to say, he's entirely convincing.

| Oct 31, 2007

Though it looks somewhat dated now, there's no denying the seminal importance of this classic adaptation of WR Burnett's novel.

| Feb 9, 2006

Feels stilted when stacked up against its tougher depression-era contemporaries.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Feb 7, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Dec 16, 2003

The production is ordinary and would rank as just one more gangster film but for two things. One is the excellence of Mr. Burnett's credible and compact story. The other is Edward G. Robinson's wonderfully effective performance.

| May 24, 2003

Edward G. Robinson in the performance of his career.

| Jan 1, 2000