This is the first step by Capra to celebrity. It's a warm and charming comedy, a kind of fairy tale set in the early 1930's, with all the tips that made gangster movies of that time so precious. There are the nicknames (Happy McGuire, who don't smile), the words (a kisser is a woman's lips) and even the music (Hear Ned Sparks whistle The Prisonner's Song when there are cops around The Dude night club.) All the actors are great, but May Robson gives a great emotional performance. Even if this movie is very representative of the 1930's, it stills
sounds very fresh today. Please, don't look at the version that Capra will made in the early 1960's, with Bette Davis. This is the real thing!
sounds very fresh today. Please, don't look at the version that Capra will made in the early 1960's, with Bette Davis. This is the real thing!