Plot Details: This opinion reveals major details about the movie's plot.

“Listen here, you flat-footed copper; you want me, you’ll have to come in and get me.” Rico Bandello

Little Caesar became an instant classic and made Edward G. Robinson a star. Along with James Cagney in Public Enemy and Paul Muni in Scarface, Little Caesar established the gangster genre and set the standard for such pictures ever since. For sheer entertainment value, these three films can hardly be topped.

I know, I know, these films are dated and corny, but the power of Edward G. Robinson still comes across as impressively as it did in 1931. Who doesn’t cringe when they hear mob boss Rico say, “Wassamatter? You gone yellow?”

Loosely based on the life of Al Capone, Little Caesar concerns the rise of a small time hood to the top ranks of the mob. He is first shown doing armed robberies with his partner Joe Massara (Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.) but he aspires to the big time, telling Joe he’s “not just another mug.” The two move to the city, where Rico begins to serve the crime boss, pulling caper upon caper and rising to the number two position. Fairbanks, in the meantime, has fallen in love with the prototypical tough blonde dancer played by Glenda Farrell. Robinson warns him that dames will be his downfall.

The police have cracked down on the mob and the boss goes yellow, a cardinal sin among mobsters. Rico takes over and starts bucking for the Big Boy’s slot. He is given a testimonial dinner and a gold watch by the boys but is disappointed when he discovers it was stolen. Lots of little moments like these make Little Caesar a treat.

A failed assassination attempt leaves Rico feeling invincible. He guns down a member of his gang on the church steps when he is told the guy is going to confess. Then, he starts getting trouble from his old friend Douglas Fairbanks who has gone yellow. Unable to bring himself to kill his friend and wanted by the police, Rico goes into hiding. The police commissioner uses a clever ruse to get Rico to reveal himself. I’ll let you see the rest for yourself.

Written by W. R. Burnett, who later wrote The Asphalt Jungle, another crime masterpiece; Little Caesar was made at the beginning of the talkie era and thus like all pictures its age has its problems in that sound recording was not well understood and the equipment was primitive. Therefore, the performances look stagy and overacted. Nonetheless, director Mervyn LeRoy produced a fast paced action film aided and abetted by the murderous expressions on Edward G. Robinson’s face. The menacing role proved to be Robinson’s breakthrough performance and Little Caesar made him a star. The costumes, automobiles, and sets depict the grandiose life mobsters lived seventy years ago.

Fans of gangster movies will also want to see

Public Enemy http://www.epinions.com/mvie-review-5A90-BA0673A-39E4AB34-prod1

Scarface http://www.epinions.com/content_21470940804

The Asphalt Jungle http://www.epinions.com/content_42022112900

Thanks for reading and happy viewing!





Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening